Large White

Pieris brassicae (58.006)

The Large White is our largest 'white' butterfly. It is not always a welcome visitor to gardens and allotments due to the damage inflicted on brassica crops by the larvae which are capable of completely devouring a crop of cabbages. Over recent years, the use of pesticides has affected its numbers quite dramatically and it is rarely seen in large numbers today.

Habitat Requirements

A very mobile and migrant species which may be found in any location. Most adults are to be found close to breeding areas where brassica crops or wild brassica species grow.

Larval Foodplants

The larvae of the Large White feed on the leaves of Cruciferae (Mustard) family including cultivated Cabbages etc, Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) and Mignonette (Reseda lutea).

Distribution in Warwickshire

See maps below. Distribution text required.

1995-2004

2005-2009

2010-2014

2015-2019