LARGE WHITE , Pieris brassicae

The large white is a common, large, white butterfly that is a regular visitor here at the Meadow Hide . Often associated with flying slowly over cabbage patches in domestic gardens and allotments, and over farmland; adults fly between April and October. Also known as the ‘Cabbage white’, the foodplants of the caterpillars of this butterfly are members of the cabbage family, known as ‘Brassicas’, hence its Latin name, Pieris brassicae.

The Large White is a non-colonial and strongly migratory species. Adults are highly mobile, searching the countryside for foodplants and nectar sources. In spring movements are generally northward. Adults fly strongly 1-2m above ground. It can be found in most open habitats but especially gardens , allotments and agricultural land. 

The large white is a white butterfly with prominent black tips to the forewings. The underside of the wings is cream. The female has two black spots and a dash on each forewing. The male normally has no spots . As its name suggests, the large white is larger than the other white butterflies.

Larvae can devour large areas of cabbages. Unfortunately over the recent years pesticide use has affected the number of Large White butterflies dramatically in some parts of the UK. They also may feed upon Wild Mignonette, Nasturtium and Sea-Kale if found along the coast.

Large Whites usually have two generations per year, the first seen from April and the second emerging from July onwards. If the summer weather is favourable, then a smaller third brood may be on the wing in the autumn. Females search out brassica plants on which to lay batches of 50 or more eggs, and are attracted by the strong scent of mustard oils that these plants produce. The caterpillars use these oils to make themselves distasteful to potential predators like birds and small mammals, but they are no defence against the unwelcome attentions of the parasitic wasp Apanteles glomeratus, which lays its eggs within the developing caterpillar. In some years, the parasites may account for 95% of the mortality of the Large White larvae.

The chrysalises, which vary in colour according to their surroundings, are often secured by their silk pads and girdles to tree trunks and the walls of sheds. Butterflies from early broods will emerge in about 14 days but later broods will over winter as a chrysalis, emerging in March or April.

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