Wingspan: 50–62 mm
Flight period of butterflies: in two or more generations from March to September
Larval host plants: species from the crucifer family, often cabbage (Brassica oleracea)
The cabbage white (Pieris brassicae) is the largest among the whites that live here. On the upper side of its snow-white wings, in the upper corner of the forewings, there is a distinctive indented black spot. The female has on the upper side of the forewings two black spots, which the male does not have. Both sexes have a black spot on the underside of the forewings. The hindwings are yellowish on the underside with a greyish dusting.
The cabbage white is an excellent flyer, which on its migrations crosses substantial distances. It can be observed in various habitats from the sea to high mountains, where it is attracted by lush flowering nectar plants, for example scabious. It also tends to stay near human settlements, as its grey caterpillars, which have bright yellow stripes along the back and sides, and are speckled with black dots, readily feed on cabbage heads. The warning coloration deters predators from eating the caterpillar.
