A Common UK resident butterfly seen almost everywhere, in a wide range of habitats, such as Gardens, Hedgerows, Meadows and Roadside Verges.The small white butterfly is double brooded, the adult butterflies emerge twice a year peaking in numbers in April – May and July – August.
The Small White is also known as the “Cabbage White” and shares this name with Large White Butterfly, the caterpillars of both butterflies, annoy many vegetable gardeners across the country.
Small White Butterfly-male- (Pieris rapae) with open wings
Small White Butterfly (Pieris rapae)
The upper-wings of the male are white, with a grey tips whereas the female has two black dots on the fore-wings. The under-wings are pale yellow.
Quick Info
- Family Group: Pieridae – whites
- Wingspan: approx 45mm.
- Larval food Plants: Brassicas inc Cabbage, Cauliflower, Field Mustard(Sinapis arvensis), Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
- Location: South Lincolnshire
- Photographed: Top – 27th June 2011, Bottom – on a windy 3rd July 2010.
© Urban Butterfly Garden 2010-2024