ExploreInsects

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
wildlife trait badgeherbivorous trait badgediurnal trait badgepollinator trait badge
Large White

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

4

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

Ability

Migration Master

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

Ability

Keen Sight

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

Ability

Leaf Muncher

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

Traits

Also known as

Cabbage Butterfly

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 Large White?

The easiest way to identify Large White is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

What is Large White's wingspan?

50-65 mm

How big is Large White?

20-25 mm

How long does Large White live?

10-20 days

How fast can Large White fly?

18 km/h

What does Large White eat?

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

Where is Large White usually found?

Gardens and fields

How does Large White hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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