The Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, the same group that includes all butterflies and moths, and is a member of the family Pieridae, known for its white and yellow butterflies. This species is native to Europe and parts of Asia but has spread widely and become one of the most common and widespread butterflies in many parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It is known not just for its abundance but also for its impact as a pest in agricultural and garden settings.
Pieris rapae is a small to medium-sized butterfly, typically with a wingspan of about 3.5 to 5 centimeters. The wings are white to pale yellow with black tips on the forewings. Males have a single black spot on each forewing, while females have two. The underside of the wings is a pale yellowish-green, helping it blend into its surroundings when at rest. Its flight is fluttery but fast and direct, and it is commonly seen flying low over fields, gardens, and roadsides.
This butterfly is also known by several other names, particularly the Small White in Europe. In agricultural settings, it is often referred to as the Imported Cabbageworm, a name that specifically describes the larval stage that feeds voraciously on brassica crops like cabbage, broccoli, and kale. Its spread to North America in the 19th century turned it into a prominent pest due to its rapid reproduction and widespread presence.
The Cabbage White is now found on every continent except Antarctica. It thrives in temperate regions and is commonly seen in gardens, farms, meadows, roadsides, and open grassy areas. It does particularly well in human-altered landscapes where host plants are cultivated. Its success in colonizing new areas is due to its adaptability and the widespread availability of its preferred food sources.
Predators of this butterfly include birds, spiders, and parasitic wasps, especially those that target the caterpillars and eggs. Despite these threats, its population remains stable and robust in most regions. In addition to natural predators, it can also be affected by weather changes and human pesticide use, especially in heavily farmed areas.
The adult Cabbage White has a short lifespan of about two to three weeks, though several generations may be produced within a single year, particularly in warmer climates. In cooler regions, the butterfly overwinters in the pupal stage, emerging in spring to begin the next life cycle. The multiple generations contribute to its abundance and persistence.
Host plants for the caterpillars primarily include members of the Brassicaceae (mustard) family—such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and mustard greens. The larvae feed on the leaves, often causing visible holes and damaging crops. Adult butterflies, on the other hand, feed on nectar from various flowers including dandelions, clovers, asters, and garden herbs. This diet provides the energy needed for flight and reproduction, making flower-rich environments essential for their survival.
Life Cycle of Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae)
The life cycle of the Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae) follows the complete metamorphosis typical of butterflies and moths, progressing through four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. This species can produce multiple generations per year, especially in warmer climates, which contributes to its widespread presence and agricultural impact.
The cycle begins when adult females lay eggs on the underside of host plant leaves, primarily those in the mustard family such as cabbage, kale, and broccoli. The eggs are tiny, yellow, and oblong, laid singly rather than in clusters. Within about 3 to 5 days, depending on temperature, the eggs hatch into larvae.
The larval stage is the most damaging to plants. The caterpillars, commonly called imported cabbageworms, are initially pale and tiny but soon grow into velvety green larvae with a faint yellow line running along the back. They feed continuously on leaf tissue, creating holes and sometimes defoliating entire plants. The larval stage lasts about 10 to 14 days, during which the caterpillar passes through several molts.
Once fully grown, the caterpillar attaches itself to a vertical surface on the plant or nearby structure and enters the pupal stage. It forms a green or brown chrysalis, blending in with the environment to avoid predators. Inside, the caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis. The pupal stage lasts 7 to 10 days in warm weather, though it can last longer in cooler temperatures or if overwintering.
The adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis and rests briefly while its wings expand and harden. It soon begins feeding on nectar and searching for mates. Mating occurs shortly after emergence, and within a few days, females begin laying eggs, continuing the cycle.
In warmer regions, the Cabbage White may complete 4 to 6 generations per year, while in cooler climates, it typically has 2 to 3 generations, with the final pupal stage overwintering and emerging as an adult in early spring. This quick and efficient life cycle makes the species both resilient in the wild and persistent in agricultural environments.