Tenerife Green Striped White
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Tenerife Green Striped White
euchloe eversi
The Tenerife Green Striped White (Euchloe eversi) is an exquisite and rare butterfly endemic to the high-altitude volcanic landscapes of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Found primarily within the subalpine zones of Teide National Park, this specialized pierid butterfly is perfectly adapted to the harsh, wind-swept environments of Mount Teide. It is highly celebrated by entomologists for its restricted geographic range and its beautiful, intricate wing patterns that serve as camouflage against volcanic rocks and high-altitude flora. As a species reliant on specific microclimates, it emerges in synchrony with the spring blooms of its host plants. Its survival is intimately linked to the unique high-altitude ecosystem of Tenerife, making it an important indicator species for the ecological health of the island's alpine zones. Spotting one of these delicate fliers darting across the rocky scree is a true highlight for any nature enthusiast visiting the Canary Islands.
Habitat: Found in high-altitude subalpine scrublands and rocky volcanic slopes, primarily within the Teide caldera on Tenerife.
Appearance
The Tenerife Green Striped White features a wingspan of approximately 3 to 4.5 cm. The uppersides of its wings are primarily white with a distinctive black apex marked with white spots on the forewings, and a prominent black discoidal spot. The most striking feature is found on the hindwing undersides, which display an intricate, marbled pattern of bright green and white stripes. This green-and-white coloration is composed of a mix of yellow and black scales, providing perfect camouflage against the lichen-covered rocks and subalpine vegetation of its native habitat.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPieridaeGenusEuchloe
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
The green stripes on the underside of their wings are actually an optical illusion created by a dense mixture of black and bright yellow scales.
Their primary larval host plant, the Broom Hare's-Ear Mustard, is also endemic to the Canary Islands, making their survival deeply interconnected.
They are found almost exclusively above 1,500 meters of elevation, thriving in the extreme, dry conditions of Tenerife's volcanic zone.
Special abilities
Ability
High Altitude Radiator
They use dorsal basking to absorb solar radiation quickly in the cool morning air of subalpine zones before taking flight.
Ability
Volcanic Camouflage
The complex green and white marbling on the underside of their wings mimics lichen-covered volcanic rocks, rendering them virtually invisible when resting.
Ability
Drought Pupation
Pupae can undergo prolonged diapause, delaying emergence during dry years until favorable environmental conditions return.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 2-3 cm
- Wingspan
- 3-5 cm
- Weight
- 0.0001-0.0003 kg
- Lifespan
- 1 years
- Top Speed
- 12 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 30-80
- Incubation
- 5-8 days
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves, flowers, and developing seed pods of endemic Brassicaceae, while adults drink nectar from various alpine wildflowers.
Age differences: Larvae are highly specialized herbivores feeding on host plant tissues, whereas adults are generalist nectar feeders on high-altitude flowers.
Primary Foods
- Broom Hare's-Ear Mustard (Descurainia bourgaeana)
- Teide White Broom (Spartocytisus supranubius)
- Nectar of alpine flowers
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
host plant
Broom Hare's-Ear Mustard
Descurainia bourgaeana
The caterpillars of Euchloe eversi feed exclusively on this endemic plant, which is critical for their development.
eaten by
Tenerife Lizard
Gallotia galloti
Adult butterflies and caterpillars are preyed upon by this endemic lizard on volcanic rocks.
Traits
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Also known as
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Tenerife Green Striped White?
The easiest way to identify Tenerife Green Striped White is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Tenerife Green Striped White?
2-3 cm
What is Tenerife Green Striped White's wingspan?
3-5 cm
How much does Tenerife Green Striped White weigh?
0.0001-0.0003 kg
How long does Tenerife Green Striped White live?
1 years
How fast can Tenerife Green Striped White move?
12 km/h
What does Tenerife Green Striped White eat?
Caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves, flowers, and developing seed pods of endemic Brassicaceae, while adults drink nectar from various alpine wildflowers.
Where is Tenerife Green Striped White usually found?
Found in high-altitude subalpine scrublands and rocky volcanic slopes, primarily within the Teide caldera on Tenerife.
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