This delightful medium-sized butterfly has a clear cut pattern of black and white chequered markings on its wings, very different from our other native Browns, and is not llikely to be confused with White butterflies, since they do not have anywhere near as much black on them. Another difference from the Whites is a series of blue centred black eyespots which are conspicuous, at rest, towards the outer edges of the underwings. The Marbled White's chequered pattern is also recognisable during flight, partly because the wings are flapped very slowly. The ground colour on the underwings varies somewhat from white to pale yellow, and the markings are less distinct, being grey on males and dusky olive-green on the females.

Dimensions:
Adult wingspan: 53-58mm.

National:
The butterfly is restricted to chalk and limestone grasslands but can also be found along woodland rides and hedgerows on similar grassy soils. It can be rather common where it occurs.

At Durlston:
It is a common butterfly on the Park found on all grassland areas including fallow meadow. Numbers have generally increased which may be a result of the increase in rough, ungrazed grassland.

The main foodplants are grasses, in particular Red Fescue Festuca rubra. Unlike many other butterflies, the Marbled White expels its eggs over suitable sites. The larvae enter hibernation upon hatching. The following spring sees the larvae begin to feed and, when fully developed, pupate within the grass tussocks. The adult emerges from early June and remains on the wing until mid August.