The marbled white is actually a black butterfly with white patches, and a member of the “brown” family. They aren’t all identical as variations do occur; most notable is the evidence of a yellowish tint sometimes seen on the females’ hind wing underside.

Most of the British colonies of marbled white butterflies are established on lime rich soils in England. Their most common breeding grounds can be found on chalky downland slopes, open grassy slopes and damp meadows. This species is absent from Scotland and Ireland.