Small white
Pieris rapae
Size: Wingspan 38-57mm.
Description: upper forewings are white, with grey tips to the forewing. Twin black spots are on the forewing, one spot is much less distinct in males. Under hindwings are powdered yellow.
It is best to identify when the butterfly is at rest when the powdered yellow underwing is visible.
Habitat: can be seen in a wide variety of habitats, meadows, allotments and gardens. Larvae thrive on plants in the cabbage family.
Distribution: throughout the UK, although more scarce in Scotland.
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Underwings of the small white (northeastwildlife.co.uk) -
Upperwings of the small white (northeastwildlife.co.uk)
Not to be confused with
Green-veined white
The underwings of the green-veined white have green-grey lines (WTML)
Large white
Large whites are larger than small whites with a darker tip on the forewing (Laurie Campbell/WTML)
