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Large White (Pieris brassicae [Linnaeus])
Wing span: 2 1/2 - 2 3/4 inches (6-7 cm).
Identification: Like a very large version of the Cabbage White.
Life history: Females lay masses of yellow eggs on undersides of host leaves. Caterpillar is gray-green green with black smudges ands short white hairs. Chrysalis is gray green with small yellow and black marks.
Flight: Two to three flights in Europe from April to October.
Caterpillar hosts: Cabbages, Brussel-sprouts, nasturtium.
Adult food: Flower nectar from a very wide array of plants including thistles and butterfly bush.
Habitat: Almost any type of open space especially vegetable gardens, roadsides, cities, and suburbs.
Range: Common native in temperate Eurasia. Rare stray or escape in North America.
Conservation: Not required.
Management needs: None needed for rare stray.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally.
References:
Higgins, L.G. and N.D. Riley. 1970. A field guide to the butterflies of Britain
and Europe. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston.369 pages.
Thomas, J.A., 1992. Butterflies of the British Isles. Hamlyn Press, London.
160 pp.
Author: Paul A. Opler
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