Introduction
The genus Elodina comprises of about 25 species, found variously in Australia, New Guinea and the islands of the South Pacific. There are 7 species in Australia, all members of the walkeri subgroup.
All Elodina species are very similar in appearance, with pearly white wings and a black apex. Most species have greyish shading along the basal area of the costa.
Elodina walkeri is found in Arnhem Land and Cape York in the north of Australia.
Habitats
This species inhabits open forested areas at elevations between about 100-1000m.
Lifecycle
The egg is creamy white and is laid singly on leaves of wild orange Capparis ( Capparaceae ). The larva is pale green with a thin white dorsal stripe, and is covered with tiny warts from which arise short setae. The pupa is pale green with a white lateral line and a white line along the dorsal keel. It is attached vertically to a twig or stem by the cremaster and a silk girdle.
Adult behaviour
Both sexes have a slow delicate flight. They visit a wide range of herbaceous flowers, and often bask on leaves, with their wings held half open.