Pierids (Whites & Yellows)
A large family of light or brightly coloured butterflies of medium size, containing some of the few species regarded as pests by gardeners and vegetable growers. Skittle-shaped eggs, laid either singly or in clusters, give rise to voracious, usually green caterpillars which feed aggressively on vegetable matter. Containing unpleasant chemicals to deter predators, those larvae that survive form chrysalises with pointed or beak-shaped heads held by a silken pad and girdle, varying in colour according to the background on which they are formed. .
Large White (Pieris brassicae)
Large White (Pieris brassicae)

Large White (Pieris brassicae)
Family: Pieridae
Subfamily: Pierinae
Tribe: Pierini
Genus: Pieris
Species: brassicae

Key ID features:
Black wing-tips more extensive than other whites
Males lack black spots and streak on upper forewings.
Undersides pale yellow, dusted with grey in both sexes.

Seen in UK: April-September

'The Large White is one of two species (the other being the Small White) that can claim the title of "Cabbage White" that is the bane of allotment holders all over the British Isles. The larva of this species can reach pest proportions, and decimate cabbages to the point that they become mere skeletons of their former selves. The female is distinguished from the male by the presence of 2 black spots, together with a black dash, on the forewing upperside. This is one of the most widespread species found in the British Isles and can be found almost anywhere, including Orkney and Shetland. This species is also known to migrate to the British Isles from the continent, augmenting the resident population in the process.'

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley

Large White (Pieris brassicae)

Large White (Pieris brassicae)
Family: Pieridae
Subfamily: Pierinae
Tribe: Pierini
Genus: Pieris
Species: brassicae

Key ID features:
Black wing-tips more extensive than other whites
Males lack black spots and streak on upper forewings.
Undersides pale yellow, dusted with grey in both sexes.

Seen in UK: April-September

'The Large White is one of two species (the other being the Small White) that can claim the title of "Cabbage White" that is the bane of allotment holders all over the British Isles. The larva of this species can reach pest proportions, and decimate cabbages to the point that they become mere skeletons of their former selves. The female is distinguished from the male by the presence of 2 black spots, together with a black dash, on the forewing upperside. This is one of the most widespread species found in the British Isles and can be found almost anywhere, including Orkney and Shetland. This species is also known to migrate to the British Isles from the continent, augmenting the resident population in the process.'

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley