Small White Butterflies

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Scientific name:  Pieris rapae

Size:  Wingspan approximately 45mm

Distribution:  Found throughout the UK

Months seen:  April to October

Life span:  Up to six weeks

Habitat:  Meadows, hedgerows, gardens and wasteland

Food:  Nectar.  Also takes minerals from the soil.  The caterpillars feed on brassicas, cabbage and garlic mustard

Special features:  Sometimes called the 'cabbage white', the Small White is one of our commonest species of butterfly, found in most areas except the highlands of Scotland.

The caterpillars are bright green, covered with fine hairs, and finely speckled with tiny black dots.

Just like the Large White, the Small White hibernates as a chrysalis, and so the first adults emerge in late March when the weather starts to become warmer.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Butterfly Section
• UK Safari Caterpillar Section
• Identify other wildlife
• What's Out Now?