Cabbage White
(Pieris rapae)
ID points
This introduced butterfly is a very common summer resident.
Both males and females are mostly white. Males have one dark dorsal forewing spot while females have two. Both have a single spot on the hindwing. Both have two dark spots on the ventral forewing.
Summer individuals often exhibit yellowing, especially on the ventral hindwing.
Habitat:
Open areas, such as agricultural fields, gardens, parks and roadsides.
Ecology and behavior:
The caterpillar is considered a pest, feeding on crucifer crops such as cabbage, kale, and broccoli.
The adult feeds on the nectar of a wide variety of host plants. It prefers purple, blue, and yellow flowers.
Locations in Mammoth Cave NP:
Easily found throughout the park. More common in open areas.
To learn more about cabbage whites, click here.
This introduced butterfly is a very common summer resident.
Both males and females are mostly white. Males have one dark dorsal forewing spot while females have two. Both have a single spot on the hindwing. Both have two dark spots on the ventral forewing.
Summer individuals often exhibit yellowing, especially on the ventral hindwing.
Habitat:
Open areas, such as agricultural fields, gardens, parks and roadsides.
Ecology and behavior:
The caterpillar is considered a pest, feeding on crucifer crops such as cabbage, kale, and broccoli.
The adult feeds on the nectar of a wide variety of host plants. It prefers purple, blue, and yellow flowers.
Locations in Mammoth Cave NP:
Easily found throughout the park. More common in open areas.
To learn more about cabbage whites, click here.
