Male. Taken at Abingdon, Oxon on February 23rd 2019. (© David Hastings)
(1/3200th sec at f14)

Male underside. Taken at Lardon Chase, Berks, on July 19th 2021. (© David Hastings)
(1/400th sec at f11)

Female. Taken at Whelford Pools, Gloucs, on May 16th 2023. (© David Hastings)
(1/640th sec at f11)

Female underside. Taken at Dry Sandford Pit, Oxon on July 12th 2018. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f13)

Mating pair. Taken at Whitecross Green Wood, Oxon., on August 8th 2019. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f13)

Larva. Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on August 17th 2013. (© David Hastings)
(1/30th sec at f11)

Pupa. Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on August 28th 2020. (© David Hastings)
(1/125th sec at f9)

Description

Family: Pieridae

Wing span: 38 - 57 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, although they are not usually as destructive as those of the Large White.

It breeds throughout the British Isles, except for northern Scotland, Orkney and Shetland.

Small Whites can be seen almost anywhere and can occur in large numbers around fields of brassicas, and also gardens and allotments.

There are generally 2 generations each year, with 3 generations in good years. First-brood adults typically emerge in mid to late April, peaking around the middle of May and gradually tailing off through June. The second brood starts to emerge in early July, although in good years it may emerge in late June and give rise to a third brood. The species overwinters as a pupa. The female is distinguished from the male by the presence of 2 black spots on the forewing upperside; the male only has one. Second brood adults have noticeably darker markings that those of the first brood.

The larval foodplants are cultivated brassicas, Charlock and Garlic Mustard.

Adults feed primarily on Thistles, but a wide range of other flowers may be used.

Least Concern

Earliest UK sighting: 23rd February ; Latest UK sighting: 25th October

Sightings