Keele University Arboretum
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Small White Pieris rapae
Adults can be confused with the Large White but the black patch at the tip of the wing is much smaller, only spreading a short distance down the wing margin.
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| Male | Female |
As with the Large and Green-veined Whites, males have a single spot on the upperwing while females have two.
The larvae feed on various crucifers and are a well-known pest species on brassicas. Unlike the Large White, Small Whites only lay a single egg per plant which develops into a unicolorous green larva; quite unlike that of the Large White.
Adults are on the wing from spring to autumn during which time there are 2 or 3 broods. Numbers may be reinforced by immigrants.
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