White Butterfly
Image: After Kitagawa Utamaro (Public domain)
Common NameWhite Butterfly
Scientific NamePieris rapae
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorswhite, grey
HabitatGardens, fields, open areas, agricultural land
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan, nearly worldwide (Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America, Australia, New Zealand)
Host PlantsBrassicaceae (cabbage, broccoli, kale, mustard), nasturtium, reseda
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, typically spring to autumn (March to November in temperate regions)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the underside of host plant leaves. Larvae are green caterpillars that feed on the leaves. Pupae are typically green or brown, camouflaged and attached to stems or leaves.
Identification TipsWhile the artwork is stylized, common white butterflies like *Pieris rapae* are characterized by predominantly white wings, often with one or two small black spots on the forewing (more prominent in females) and a dark tip on the forewing. The underside is typically yellowish-white.
Description
Two stylized white butterflies with pale grey shading on their wings, depicted in a traditional Japanese artwork alongside poppies and a dragonfly.
