Cabbage White- Pieris brassicae

Cabbage White– Pieris brassicae Common Name: Cabbage White Latin Name: Pieris brassicae Appearance: The Cabbage White is a white butterfly with black wingtips and a wingspan of 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4 to 6 cm). The male and female Cabbage White butterflies look similar, but the female has two black spots on the front wings. Egg: The eggs of Cabbage White butterflies are small, yellow, and cylindrical. They are laid singly on the leaves of host plants. Pupa: The pupae of Cabbage White butterflies are green or brown and are found on the undersides of leaves or in the soil. Larva: The larvae of Cabbage White butterflies are green with a velvety texture, and they have a yellow stripe down their backs and two rows of faint yellow spots along their sides. They feed on the leaves of host plants, including cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables. Adults: The adult Cabbage White is a white butterfly with black wingtips and a wingspan of 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4 to 6 cm). Host plant: The Cabbage White butterfly caterpillars feed on the leaves of host plants, including cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables. Territory: Cabbage White is found throughout North America. Damages caused by Cabbage White: Cabbage White can cause significant damage to host plants, as the caterpillars feed on the leaves and can defoliate entire plants if left unchecked. Life history and Habits: The Cabbage White is a common pest of cruciferous vegetables, and the females lay their eggs on the undersides of the leaves of host plants. The larvae emerge and begin feeding on the leaves, overgrowing and molting several times before pupating in a cocoon on the undersides of leaves or in the soil. The adult butterflies emerge and mate, and the females lay eggs on new host plants, completing one to three generations per year, depending on the climate. The Cabbage White can be controlled with insecticides, biological controls, or row covers to exclude the butterflies from the plants.