Olympia Marble
(Euchloe olympia)
Olympia Marble sightings, by week (about)
Click to enlargeSouth of Richford, Waushara Co., WI. April 27, 2003.
Click to enlarge2.5 miles West of Wautoma, Waushara Co., WI. April 26, 2003.
Click to enlarge2.5 miles West of Wautoma, Waushara Co., WI. April 26, 2003.
Click to enlargeWest of Wazee Park, Jackson Co., WI. May 8, 2004.
The Olympia Marble is the smallest White in Wisconsin. It is found from April through early June depending upon the year and where you are in the state. In Waushara County, I regularly look for this species just as the Pasque Flowers are just getting past their prime. Sunny, but windy spring days are the norm when looking for this species. I have fewer photos per hour of attempt of photographing this species than for any other Wisconsin butterfly. I once followed a single Olympia Marble butterfly up and down several Pasque-flowered hills for over an hour as it alighted to nectar or rest for only seconds, whether I was there or watched from afar.
Identifying characteristics: A small, 1.25 inch wingspan, white butterfly with few dark spots on the upper wings, and a very distinctive yellow-green marbling on the under wings.
Similar species: Its small size and the yellow-green marbling below make it unlikely that you will mistake any other Wisconsin butterfly for this species.
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Olympia Marble
Euchloe olympia