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Wood White
ExploreInsects
Wood White
Leptidea sinapis
The Wood White is a beautiful butterfly with pale wings that flutter around in sunny spots. They love to sip nectar from flowers and can be seen in gardens and meadows during warm days.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Wood White is a delicate, slender butterfly with creamy white wings, subtly tipped with greyish-black on the forewings. Its elongated, narrow wings and hesitant, 'bouncing' flight distinguish it from other white butterflies, making it easy to identify.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPieridaeGenusLeptidea
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Male Wood Whites fly special patrol routes, following paths through woods, searching for females to woo!
Their 'bouncing' flight pattern is so unique, it helps spotters identify them even from a distance!
Unlike most butterflies, the Wood White's wings are surprisingly narrow and elongated, almost like a glider!
Wood White caterpillars often form a tiny silk safety pad before they shed their skin, so they don't fall off!
Special abilities
Ability
Dappled Disguise
Wood White has underwing patterns that help them blend perfectly with dappled sunlight, making them very hard to spot.
Ability
Nectar Straw
Wood White can unfurl a long proboscis, a straw-like mouthpart, that helps them sip nectar from deep flowers.
Ability
Rapid Generations
Wood White can complete its life cycle quickly, allowing them to have two or even three broods in a single warm season.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 33-47 mm
- Size
- 15-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-20 days
- Flight Speed
- 8-15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Wood White butterflies drink flower nectar; caterpillars munch on legume leaves.
Age differences: Larvae eat plant leaves, while adults feed on flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Vetch flowers
- Clover flowers
- Meadow Vetchling leaves
- Bird's-foot Trefoil leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleus
Larvae and adults are prey for hungry birds.
pollinates
Tufted Vetch
Vicia cracca
Adults visit flowers for nectar, aiding plant reproduction.
depends on
Meadow Vetchling
Lathyrus pratensis
Caterpillars feed exclusively on its leaves to grow.
hunts
Garden Cross Spider
Araneus diadematus
Spiders capture adult butterflies in their webs.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be gentle and quiet around butterflies so they feel safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wood White's wingspan?
33-47 mm
How big is Wood White?
15-25 mm
How long does Wood White live?
10-20 days
How fast can Wood White fly?
8-15 km/h
What does Wood White eat?
Wood White butterflies drink flower nectar; caterpillars munch on legume leaves.
Where is Wood White usually found?
Grasslands
How does Wood White hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Wood White have?
6
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