Marble Butterflies Found in Madison County

As reported By Associated Press

11:36 a.m. EDT, May 2, 2011

MARSHALL, N.C. (AP) — A colony of Olympia Marble butterflies has been discovered in Madison County.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reports Monday that the species noted for its golden marbling and olive-colored wing markings is more commonly seen in the U.S. prairies and considered a rare find in an eastern state.

Biologists first encountered the butterfly colony April 17 and confirmed it with additional sightings the following weekend. It was the first time a breeding colony of Olympia Marble butterflies has been seen in North Carolina.
A Nature Conservancy spokesman says the butterflies’ sensitivity to pesticides and other chemical hazards means that Madison County’s natural environment remains relatively pristine.