Butterfly ID

Anyone have a suggestion for this butterfly? It was taken against siding on a structure in a butterfly garden at our local zoo.

Where you located? It's likely one of the varients of the "White Peacock" (Anartia jatrophae) that I used to see in East Texas.
Dave Graham
East River, SD

Sorry I can't help you, John, but IMO, it's really a shame that people have to leave a zoo wondering what they saw there. I have to admit that I have not been to a zoo in decades, even though I did research at one in my younger days, but I usually enjoyed zoos, and thought of them as educational institutions. If I were you, I would contact the zoo and ask them why they don't make some effort to identify the creatures they have on display. Do they treat all their animals like this, or is it some sort of discrimination against the "lesser" creatures? Most of the animals on this planet are insects, but many people have no idea what they are, and unlike people like you, who want to know, most people don't even care, even for the most popular and showy insects, like butterflies. How often do you see a photo in the Avian Gallery labeled "A Bird" or one in the Wildlife Gallery with the title of "Some Kind of Mammal?" Any zoo that does not make some effort to educate people about their animals is perpetuating the idea that invertebrates don't matter. This attitude is a shame, and ecologically irresponsible because invertebrates are MUCH more prevalent in our lives, and have a much more direct effect on humans than most vertebrates. The fact that most people don't appreciate or even know about things like about absolutely vital functions such as pollination and providing food for other creatures, as well as about agricultural pests and deadly diseases is an indication of the failure of our educational institutions. If you want to have some effect on the zoo, ask the leaders of the zoo if they regard the zoo as an educational institution. If they say yes, point out their failure, and ask what they intend to do to correct it. (I was almost going to say "Sorry about the rant" but I am not sorry. I know that it will help you make a difference. I think many nature photographers would like to make a difference in the world, and this is a good opportunity.)

David nailed it. This is Anartia jatrophae

Dave and Peter, thanks for the ID. By the way I'm in eastern Nebraska.

Wayne I'm going to go out on a limb here say you're an entomologist, am I close? I agree that education in this country regarding our natural world and all the wonderful creatures in it is sadly lacking. I share your passion about the delicate balance between all our living things and their ecosystems. On the very edge of my city (Lincoln) lies the last remaining habitat for the endangered salt creek tiger beetle and I get so tired of the ignorance displayed by many people who think that it's only a worthless bug. Why in the world would we want to set aside a few hundred acres to save a bug. That attitude really bothers me and I believe speaks volumes about a majority of the human animals. When will people wake up and realize that earths creatures can live fine without humans but we humans cannot survive without them. With regard to your comments about the zoo, within this particular exhibit I only some young volunteers who didn't have much information to offer. Next time I'm there perhaps I'll convey some of the points you mentioned to a zoo official. Anyway thanks for your insightful response!

John, check out the BAMONA (Butterflies and Moths of North America) website. Not only can they help you with identifying any species of butterfly, you can help them by submitting sightings you photograph in your area. Zoo sightings probably aren't useful but you can still get the identification. Just a thought.

This is a common butterfly where I live. I see it in wet grassy places. We call it a white peacock.