Large White (Pieris brassicae)

Family: Pieridae Checklist: 58.006

 
Description
Wing span: 59-67 mm. This species is one of the two known as the "Cabbage White". Its larvae can reach pest proportions, and decimate cabbages (and other brassicas) to the point that the leaves become skeletons of their former selves. It occurs throughout the British Isles. The population is regularly augmented by migrants from the continent. The Large White can be seen almost anywhere, but is most numerous around fields of brassica crops, allotments and gardens.
 
Images (click to enlarge)
Large White ♂ © David Hastings
Large White ♂ underside © David Hastings
Large White ♀ © David Hastings
Large White ♀ underside © David Hastings
Male Male underside Female Female underside
 
Life Cycle
There are normally two generations each year, and there is often a third. The first brood emerges in April, with a peak in May. In typical years, their offspring emerge in July and fly through August and into early September. The pupa is the overwintering stage.
 
Larval Foodplants
Larval food plants are of the Bassicaceae family, including Cabbage (Brassica oleracea cultivars), Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus) and Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus).
 
Nectar Sources
Purple flowers such as Thistles are favourite nectar sources.
 
UK Conservation Status
Least Concern
 
Earliest UTB first sighting (since 2004) : 17th March
Mean UTB first sighting (since 2004) : 2nd April
 
 
Distribution and Sites
 

Key
1 sighting 2-9 max seen 10+ max seen
This species is a habitat generalist, so can be found almost anywhere in the UTB region.

 
Related Species
All Species