It is time for the spring butterflies, like this checkered white.
Although common some years in the Southwest, checkered white butterflies are found throughout the United States, and are thought to move north through the summer.
Here in the desert, the adults visit the seasonal wildflowers for nectar.
(Photograph by Megan McCarty at Wikimedia)
The larvae (caterpillars) have black and yellow spots and speckles. They feed on plants in the mustard family, which are only abundant after sufficient winter rains.
Have you seen any checkered white butterflies yet this year?
