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Species Detail
Cabbage White
Pieris rapae (Linnaeus, 1758)
Attributes of Pieris rapaeFamily: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae) Subfamily: Whites (Pierinae) Identification: Upperside of wings white; forewing with black tip. Two submarginal black spots in female, one in male. Underside of hindwing and forewing apex evenly yellow-green or gray-green. Spring and fall short-day form is smaller, less yellow, with reduced black areas. Life history: Males patrol for females. Females lay single eggs on undersides of host leaves. Chrysalids hibernate. Flight: Two to three in northern part of range; 7-8 in the south. It is usually the first butterfly to emerge in spring. Wing span: 1 3/4 - 2 1/4 inches (4.5 - 5.8 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Many plants in the mustard (Brassicaceae) family and occasionally some in the caper family (Capparidaceae). Adult food: Flower nectar from a very wide array of plants including mustards, dandelion, red clover, asters, and mints. Habitat: Almost any type of open space including weedy areas, gardens, roadsides, cities, and suburbs. Range: From central Canada south through the United States (except Florida Keys, southern Louisiana, and South Texas) to northwest Mexico. Conservation: Not required. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: Ensure control steps do not affect other invertebrate fauna. | Documented Records for Pieris rapae
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