Small White

Special features: Sometimes called the 'cabbage white', the small white is one of our commonest species of butterfly, found in most areas except the highlands of Scotland.

The caterpillars are bright green, covered with fine hairs, and finely speckled with tiny black dots.

Like the large white, it hibernates as a chrysalis, and so the first adults can be seen in early March when the weather starts to become warmer.

Latin name: Pieris rapae

Size: Wingspan approximately 45mms.

Distribution: Found throughout the UK.

Months seen: April to October.

Food: Nectar. The caterpillars feed on brassicas, cabbage and garlic mustard.

Habitat: Meadows, hedgerows, gardens and wasteland.