Coimbra, Portugal, October 2019
Vaud, Switzerland, July 2012
Field notes and information
One of the two cabbage whites. It is one of the most successful butterfly species in the world. It has colonised almost all regions of the earth through accidental introductions - truly adaptable. It is also usually very common or even abundant and it is a pest in some places.
Identification & Similar species: It is very similar to the other small whites (formerly in the genus Artogeia). It is by far the commonest species of this group in most locations, but the other species can also be common where they do occur so care is needed, particularly in southern Europe.
Distribution & Flight: A near worldwide distribution from the hottest semi-deserts to the arctic. It flies from early spring to the end of the autumn in multiple broods or continuously where possible for example on the Canary Islands.
Habitat & Behaviour: It prefers open places in all habitats from woodland, meadowland and mountains to urban areas. The larvae feed on a wide range of plants, principally, but not exclusively, the cabbages Cruciferae.
Gran Canaria, Spain, April 2011
Jura, France, June 2022
Valais, Switzerland, May 2013
Crete, Greece, October 2017
Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013
Gran Canaria, Spain, March 2016
Vaud, Switzerland, September 2014
Valais, Switzerland, March 2019
Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013
Crete, Greece, April 2014
N Tenerife, Spain, April 2012
Burgos, Spain, July 2011
Valais, Switzerland, June 2006
Valais, Switzerland, June 2011
With particularly heavy dusting on the underside. A possible A. mannii.
N Tenerife, Spain, April 2012
N Tenerife, Spain, April 2012
A dramatic chase.
Fuerteventura, Spain, February 2014
Valais, Switzerland, June 2007