Pieris brassicae -
Large White. 50 - 65mm. Widespread throughout Europe, with the
exceptions of the northernmost regions, and in northern Africa. Its range
extends as far as the Himalayas, and just into China. This is one of the
most abundant butterflies and is a notorious pest of cruciferous vegetables.
In most areas is has two generations, which fly from April to August.
In hot regions it may have several generations. The yellow eggs are glued
in batches on the underside of leaves, and the caterpillars live gregariously
for a long time, on various kinds of crucifers, mainly on cabbage, kohlrabi,
etc., in the fields and gardens. Chrysalides of the second generation
hibernate. The butterfly is sexually dimorphic, the female having more
black spots on her wings.
Text: A field Guide in Colour
to Butterflies and Moths (1982) Ivo Novak. Octopus
