Cabbage White
ExploreInsects
Cabbage White
Pieris rapae
The Cabbage White is a small white butterfly that loves to flutter around gardens. It often lays its eggs on cabbage plants!
Habitat: Gardens and farmland
Appearance
The Cabbage White is a medium-sized butterfly with creamy white wings. Its forewings often have one or two black spots and dark tips, especially in females. This pattern helps distinguish it from other pure white butterflies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPieridaeGenusPieris
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
109
Interesting facts
Adult Cabbage Whites use their feet to taste if a plant is suitable for their babies.
Cabbage Whites have been accidentally introduced to many new countries by humans.
Their caterpillars are often called 'cabbage worms' because they love munching on plants like cabbage!
They lay tiny, torpedo-shaped eggs that often start yellow and turn gray.
Special abilities
Ability
Chemical Shield
Cabbage White caterpillars can taste bad because they store mustard oils from plants, which helps them deter predators.
Ability
Navigation Whiz
Cabbage Whites can fly long distances to find new food sources and mates, helping them expand their range.
Ability
Temperature Tuner
Cabbage Whites can bask in the sun to warm up their bodies, allowing them to fly even on cooler days.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 45-60 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-21 days
- Flight Speed
- 16 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on leaves of host plants, while adult butterflies sip sweet flower nectar.
Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) feed exclusively on plant leaves, while adults feed on flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Brassica oleracea
- Brassica rapa
- Raphanus sativus
- Clover nectar
- Dandelion nectar
- Thistle nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Cabbage
Brassica oleracea
Caterpillars feed on leaves.
parasitizes
Cabbage worm parasitic wasp
Cotesia glomerata
Wasp larvae develop inside the caterpillar.
eaten by
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Birds commonly prey on butterflies.
pollinates
White Clover
Trifolium repens
Adults drink nectar, helping pollination.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Imported Cabbageworm
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Cabbage White?
The easiest way to identify Cabbage White is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
What is Cabbage White's wingspan?
45-60 mm
How big is Cabbage White?
15-20 mm
How long does Cabbage White live?
14-21 days
How fast can Cabbage White fly?
16 km/h
What does Cabbage White eat?
Caterpillars munch on leaves of host plants, while adult butterflies sip sweet flower nectar.
Where is Cabbage White usually found?
Gardens and farmland
How does Cabbage White hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Jun 18, 2026
United States National Arboretumi
Photo attribution
(c) Frederick Nunley, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 7, 2026
Queens Vietnam Veterans Memoriali
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
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Jun 6, 2026
Reeves-Reed Arboretumi
Photo attribution
(c) foxsu, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 6, 2026
Mount Kisco Municipal Complexi
Photo attribution
(c) eml23, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 1, 2026
Monmouth Battlefield State Parki
Photo attribution
(c) geosesarma, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
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