Large (cabbage) white

The Large White is common throughout Europe often in agricultural areas, meadows and parkland. It is a strong flyer and the British population is reinforced in most years by migrations from the continent. Its wingspan is 5 to 6.5 cm.

The wings are white, with black tips on the forewings of both males and females, the female also has two black spots on each forewing. The underside is a pale greenish and serves as excellent camouflage when at rest. The black markings are generally darker in the summer brood.



The female lays batches of 20 to 100 yellow eggs on plants in the cabbage family and can be a pest on food crops. The caterpillars are yellowish green with yellow lines and black spots and feed in groups in plain view on the leaf surface. It has two broods in a year, the first is on the wing in May and June and the second in August.

Last Updated: 24th-Jul-2007 12:43 Print
 Subscribe to newsletter
Name 
Email