This butterfly is the largest of the so-called ‘cabbage whites’ and can be separated from its relatives by its bolder black markings. The Canary Islands Large White is the exception as its markings are bolder again, but as its name suggests it is confined to the Canaries. It is a common species in gardens where its distinctive black and yellow larvae are often found clustered on cabbages or nasturtiums. Although it is a generalist in terms of habitat, in my experience it is commoner in cultivated land and in parks or gardens.

Distribution: All of Europe excluding northern Fennoscandia and some Mediterranean islands.

Flight Period: Multiple broods appearing in March-October in the south; May-September further north.

Habitat: Occurs in any habitat where its foodplant and nectar sources are present, but most frequent in gardens, farmland, meadows and woodland edges at a wide range of altitudes.

Foodplants: Various Brassicae species, as well as garden nasturtiums (Tropaeolum).

Nectar sources: Privets (Ligustrum), Bush Vetch (Vicia sepium), Buddleia, knapweeds (Centaurea), thistles (Cirsium) and others.

<Prev
Next>