Large White Pieris brassicae

Habitat

The Large White is found almost anywhere, but is particularly associated with gardens, farmland and allotments where cabbages and other brassica plants grow.

Identification

It is the largest of the three common British white species, and is identified by its blacker wing-tips and bolder spots, particularly on the female. Second generation butterflies are considerably larger than first brood individuals.

Flight times

Adults can be seen on the wing any time from February to November. There are usually two generations a year, peaking in May and late July/early August. In warm summers a third brood may be seen in late September and early October.

Food plants

Larval food plants include a whole range of brassicas, including cabbages, kale and brussels sprouts.

Large White
Large White - © Simon Jenkins.

Distribution Maps

2005-2009
Large White distribution map 2005-09
2010-14
Large White distribution map 2010-14
2015-19
Large White distribution map 2015-19
2015
Large White distribution map 2015
2015 Summary
No of tetrads 863
First sighting 04/04/2015
Last sighting 31/10/2015
2016
Large White distribution map 2016
2016 Summary
No of tetrads 774
First sighting 25/03/2016
Last sighting 16/10/2016
2017
Large White distribution map 2017
2017 Summary
No of tetrads 765
First sighting 25/03/2017
Last sighting 24/10/2017
2018
Large White distribution map 2018
2018 Summary
No of tetrads 1007
First sighting 25/03/2018
Last sighting 26/10/2018
2019
Large White distribution map 2019
2019 Summary
No of tetrads 1005
First sighting 26/02/2019
Last sighting 30/10/2019
2020
Large White distribution map 2020
2020 Summary
No of tetrads 1129
First sighting 14/03/2020
Last sighting 05/11/2020
2021
Large White distribution map 2021
2021 Summary
No of tetrads 1009
First sighting 07/03/2021
Last sighting 15/10/2021
2022
Large White distribution map 2022
2022 Summary
No of tetrads 709
First sighting 17/02/2022
Last sighting 10/09/2022

Photo Gallery


Similar or Easily Confused Species and ID Hints

Small White Pieris rapae

Small White are usually smaller and have paler and less extensive wing-tips than the Large White.

Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni

A female Brimstone flying past could be mistaken for a pale or faded Large White. The black wing-tips of the Large White are the key to look for, plus the female Brimstone has a slight greenish colouration. The Brimstone always rests with its wings closed.

Small White
Small White - female - © Christine Maughan
image of Brimstone butterfly
Brimstone - © Christine Maughan