Pieris brassicae


Vaud, Switzerland, August 2006 (female with black spots on forewing)


Andalusia, Spain, October 2005 (male with clear white forewing)


Vaud, Switzerland, August 2006


Large White, black curving apical mark tapering to costa and inner margin	Small White, less intense black alpical mark, rather angular and not tapering to costa nor inner margin.

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.


Andalusia, Spain, October 2005


Savoie, France, May 2005 (female)


Macedonia, Greece, July 2004


Kozani, Greece, May 2004 Spring generation - very dark scaling on underside.


Vienna, Austria, July 2001

Large White