cabbage white

cabbage white, any of several species of butterfly with larvae that feed on cabbage and related plants of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). They are considered to be major economic pests and can locally decimate cabbage and other Brassica crops. Insecticides are the primary means of control, though populations have displayed increasing resistance to agrochemicals.

The small, or European, cabbage white (Pieris rapae) was introduced to North America c. 1860 and is one of the most common white butterfly species in North America. P. rapae has white or cream-colored wings with small black dots and lays its eggs singly on leaves.

The large cabbage white (P. brassicae) is found throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It features large black spots with a black band on the tip of its white wings and lays its eggs in characteristic clusters.

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Another species, the Indian cabbage white (P. canidia) is found in south and southeast Asia, including India and Nepal. It has white to cream wings with black-tipped forewings and small black spots, while the undersides are pale yellowish or greenish with faint speckling.

The related mustard white (P. oleracea) feeds primarily on bittercress and rock cress of the mustard family.