Large White

Pieris brassicae

The Large White butterfly is a big, beautiful butterfly with white wings and black spots. It flits around gardens and parks, looking for tasty flowers.

Habitat: Gardens and fields

Appearance

The Large White has chalky white wings with distinctive black tips on the forewings. Females also display two prominent black spots on their forewings, which males often lack or have only faintly, helping distinguish sexes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPieridaeGenusPieris

Large White

Interesting facts

Did you know the Large White caterpillar is sometimes called a "cabbage worm" for its favourite snack?

Female Large Whites can lay up to 600 eggs in batches, usually on the underside of leaves!

Their bright colours might be a warning sign to predators: "I taste bad, so don't eat me!"

These common garden visitors undergo a spectacular transformation from tiny egg to flying butterfly!

Special abilities

Adults can fly hundreds of miles to find new food and warmer places, expanding their territory.

Large Whites possess complex compound eyes, helping them quickly spot vibrant flowers for nectar and potential mates.

Their strong mandibles allow caterpillars to efficiently chew through tough plant leaves, growing quickly.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 50-65 mm
Size: 20-25 mm
Lifespan: 10-20 days
Flight Speed: 18 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult butterflies flutter about sipping sweet flower nectar.

Age differences: Caterpillars feed on plant leaves; adults drink nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

Brassica oleracea (Cabbage)
Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium)
Sinapis arvensis (Charlock)
Flower Nectar (general)

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Cabbage

Brassica oleracea

As a primary food source for larvae.

parasitizes

Parasitic Wasp

Apanteles glomeratus

Lays eggs inside Large White caterpillars.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Feeds on caterpillars and pupae.

pollinates

Butterfly Bush

Buddleja davidii

Adults feed on its nectar, helping pollination.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.