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. .
Small White (Pieris rapae)
Small White (Pieris rapae)

Small White (Pieris rapae)
Family: Pieridae
Subfamily: Pierinae
Tribe: Pierini
Genus: Pieris
Species: rapae

Key ID Features:
Less boldly marked and usually smaller than the Large White.
Males usually have spot on upper forewing.
Dark wing tip is paler and does not extend down wing edge.
Pale yellow underwing with grey dusting has slightly darker line through centre.

Seen in UK: April -October

The Small White, (along with the Large White), can claim the title of "Cabbage White" that is the bane of allotment holders all over the British Isles although the damage caused by this species is significantly less than that of the Large White. This is one of the most widespread species found in the British Isles and can be found almost everywhere. It is relatively scarce in northern Scotland but has been seen as far north as Orkney and Shetland. This species is also known to migrate to the British Isles from the continent, sometimes flying in great swarms, augmenting the resident population in the process.

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

Photographer: Tim Tapley

Small White (Pieris rapae)

Small White (Pieris rapae)
Family: Pieridae
Subfamily: Pierinae
Tribe: Pierini
Genus: Pieris
Species: rapae

Key ID Features:
Less boldly marked and usually smaller than the Large White.
Males usually have spot on upper forewing.
Dark wing tip is paler and does not extend down wing edge.
Pale yellow underwing with grey dusting has slightly darker line through centre.

Seen in UK: April -October

The Small White, (along with the Large White), can claim the title of "Cabbage White" that is the bane of allotment holders all over the British Isles although the damage caused by this species is significantly less than that of the Large White. This is one of the most widespread species found in the British Isles and can be found almost everywhere. It is relatively scarce in northern Scotland but has been seen as far north as Orkney and Shetland. This species is also known to migrate to the British Isles from the continent, sometimes flying in great swarms, augmenting the resident population in the process.

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

Photographer: Tim Tapley