Invasive European butterfly. Major pest of cole crops.

Also called: Small Cabbage White, Imported Cabbageworm (caterpillar)

Native status: Non-native (Europe); naturalized throughout North America

§ Quick facts

SizeWingspan 3.8–5.5 cm (1.5–2.2 in)
Weight~0.1 g
LifespanAdults 2–4 weeks; multiple generations per year
OrderLepidoptera
FamilyPieridae

§ Encyclopedia

Pieris rapae is a small-to-medium-sized butterfly species of the whites-and-yellows family Pieridae. It is known in Europe as the small white, in North America and the United Kingdom as the cabbage white or cabbage butterfly, on several continents as the small cabbage white, and in New Zealand as the white butterfly. The butterfly is recognizable by its white color with small black dots on its wings, and it can be distinguished from P. brassicae by the latter's larger size and black band at the tip of the forewings.

Source: Wikipedia — Pieris rapae Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium white butterfly with greenish-cream undersides; males have one black spot on each forewing; females have two black spots. Black wing tips.

Similar species. Native Pierid butterflies (Mustard White, native; different patterns). Other "white" butterflies (Pieridae diversity is high — expert ID needed).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Adults: nectar (clover, dandelions, milkweed). Caterpillars: cabbage-family plants — cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, mustard greens, nasturtium, and wild crucifers.

Behavior. Originally European; first documented in North America at Québec in 1860; spread to Pacific Coast within 30 years. Now one of the most abundant butterflies in agricultural regions across North America. Caterpillars (small green "cabbage worms") are major pests of cole crops, costing US farmers tens of millions of dollars annually. Despite reputation as a pest, valuable nectar source for native pollinators and rapid colonization makes it among the most studied invasive insects.

§ Range

Native to Europe; introduced worldwide

§ Habitat

Diverse habitats

§ Threats

In North America: they're the threat to native cole crops.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the cabbage white butterfly is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Reduce monoculture cole crop farms.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Butterflies and Moths of North America
  • Xerces Society
  • USDA Plant Health Inspection Service
  • iNaturalist