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Large White
Pieris brassicae
Distribution: Resident throughout much of Europe, northern populations
(e.g. the UK) are reinforced by migration from southern areas.
Identification: By far the largest white in Europe. Only the Apollos,
Parnassius, are larger and these have distinct red rings. Some of the
small whites may be confused with this species, but the Large white is
distinguished by the heavy black apical mark - it is curved on the inside,
tapering to the costa and extending a long way down the outer margin. In the
other whites this mark is rather rectangular and meets the costa at an angle and
fades away quickly down the inner margin.
Females have heavy black spots on the forewings, males generally lack these
marks and if present are very small compared to the females.
Flight time: Early spring until autumn cold. Becomes commoner as the
season progresses.
Habitat: Diverse due in part to its wandering habits. Often attracted
to nectar rich plants such as Buddleia and Thistles. Larvae take a range of
Cruciferae (Cabbages). One of the few European butterflies that can be a
pest to cultivated Cabbages.
Behaviour: Often found at rich sources of nectar. In these
circumstances several butterflies can be found together and the individuals stay
in the area feeding avidly. Has been known to swarm in vast numbers as they
arrive in S England - the sky turns black as the swarms cross the English
Channel and make landfall in S England.
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