Cabbage White
Image: Skrrrrrrrrrr (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameCabbage White
Scientific NamePieris rapae
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatGardens, agricultural fields, meadows, urban areas, disturbed habitats
Geographic RangeNearly cosmopolitan; native to Eurasia and North Africa, introduced to North America, Australia, New Zealand
Host Plantscabbage, broccoli, kale, mustard, radish, nasturtium
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green caterpillars that feed on brassicas. Pupae are typically green or brown and attach to stems or leaves, with multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for solid white wings with distinct black tips on the forewings. Males have one black spot on the forewing, females have two. Undersides are often yellowish-white.
Description
A medium-sized white butterfly with prominent black tips on its forewings. Males typically have one black spot on each forewing, while females have two.
