Male Enlarge

FemaleEnlarge	FemaleEnlarge

Life Cycle of Butterflies

EggEnlarge	CaterpillarEnlarge
ChrysalisEnlarge

Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)

The Cabbage White butterfly can be a pest in some vegetable gardens but don’t let this discourage you from enjoying this magnificent animal in your butterfly garden. It was introduced in North America in 1860 from Europe, and has become a favorite among children who love to chase them around the yard. The Cabbage White overwinters as a pupa and emerges in early spring, being one of the first butterflies of the season. It also engages in an interesting and fascinating spiral flight. When a female is not interested in a male, they circle each other, flying higher and higher until the male loses interest and drops to the ground. It is an instinctive behavior that the female does to cause the male to lose interest. These butterflies are fascinating to watch and enjoyed by all members of your family.

Family: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)

Subfamily: White (Pierinae)

Average Wingspan: 1 3/4" - 2 1/4"

Habitat: Fields, vegetable gardens, suburbs

Plants That Attract This Butterfly

• Nectar Plants (What is this?)
  Aster, Cosmos, Tall Verbena, Red Clover*
  
• Host Plants (What is this?)
  Nasturtium, Spider flower

* May not be available for purchase at your local nursery.

Note: Always check a plant's Hardiness Zone to make sure it will grow in your area. (What Is My Hardiness Zone?)

Where To Buy Plants

Butterfly Flight Range Map

Photo Credits:
Male (open wing) - Big Stock Photo
Female (open wing) - Fred Miller
Female (closed wing) - Fred Miller
Egg - Fred Miller
Caterpillar - Diane P. Brooks
Chrysalis - Diane P. Brooks