Pieris rapae is native of Europe, including the Atlantic islands, temperate Asia, east to Japan, the Middle East, and North Africa. Accidentally introduced to North America, Bermuda, Australia and New Zealand. It is found in weedy areas, meadows, riverine habitats, wetlands, small forest clearings, gardens, suburbs, and cities. This is a small- to medium-sized butterfly (wingspan 30-58 mm). The upperside is white; the forewing with black tip and a submarginal black spot (two in the female). The underside is yellowish with black speckles. Adults nectar from a wide variety of plants, including mustards (Brassicaceae), dandelions, asters, knapweeds, and thistles (Asteraceae), mints (Lamiaceae), clovers (Fabaceae), valerian (Caprifoliaceae), etc. The larva feeds on many species of the Brassicaceae, and occasionally the Capparaceae. In Europe and Canada this species flies from mid-April to mid-October (2-3 generations), and nearly year-round in the southern United States.

		D41206 Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)*, male Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
* photographed outside of its native range
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