Male. Taken at Aston Rowant NNR, Oxon., on August 31st 2013. (© David Hastings)
(1/400th sec at f13)

Male underside. Taken at Fence Wood, Berks, on July 31st 2018. (© David Hastings)
(1/4000th sec at f14)

Female. Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on July 11th 2018. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f14)

Female underside. Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on September 16th 2020. (© David Hastings)
(1/640th sec at f13)

Mating pair. Taken at Sydlings Copse, Oxon, on July 24th 2011. (© David Hastings)
(1/500th sec at f14)

Larva. Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on August 17th 2013. (© David Hastings)
(1/60th sec at f11)

Description

Family: Pieridae

Wing span: 59 - 67 mm

This species is one of the two known as the "Cabbage White". Its larvae can reach pest proportions, and decimate cabbages (and other brassicas) to the point that the leaves become skeletons of their former selves. The sexes are similar, but females have two black spots on their upper forewings.

The Large White occurs throughout Britain and Ireland, and the population is regularly augmented by migrants from the continent.

Large Whites can be seen almost anywhere, but are most numerous around fields of brassica crops, allotments and gardens.

This butterfly normally has two generations each year, and there is often a 3rd brood. The first brood emerges in April, with a peak in May. In typical years, their offspring emerge in July and fly through August and into early September. The pupa is the overwintering stage.

Foodplants are of the Bassicaceae family, including Cabbage, Oil-seed Rape, Brussels Sprouts and Nasturtium. Females are attracted to brassica plants by the mustard oils they contain.

Purple flowers such as Thistles are favourite nectar sources.

Adults are capable of flying for long distances. They will sometimes rest quite high up in trees.

Least Concern

Earliest UK sighting: 14th March ; Latest UK sighting: 11th November

Sightings