Keele University
Keele University Arboretum
Explore this Section
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.
|
|
| 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.
