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Artogeia rapae

Small White

Field Notes

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Valais, Switzerland, June 2006

 

Hampshire, England, September 2004 (f)

 

Small White,
Artogeia rapae (Pieris rapae)

Distribution: Across all of Europe. I've also found it in the USA and in Australia - a truly adaptable species!

Identification:  It is very similar to its Artogeia co-geners (see Southern Small White, A. mannii, for identification tips and also Mountain Small White, A. ergane). Also resembles the Large White, Pieris brassicae, see that specie's page for details.

Flight time: It flies from early in the spring to the end of the year in multiple broods.

Habitat: It prefers open places in all habitats from woodland, meadowland and mountains to urban areas. The larvae  feed on a wide range of plants, principally, but not exclusively, the Cruciferae (Cabbages).

Behaviour: One of the most commonly encountered species in gardens, at least in the UK. It is attracted to flowers but also cultivated Cabbages of which it can be a pest. It's alternative name is the "Cabbage White" due to its habit of exploiting the cultivated Cabbage.

 

Valais, Switzerland, November 2010

 

Valais, Switzerland, April 2010

 

Prov. Malaga, Spain, April, 2009

 

Valais, Switzerland, 2009

 

Valais, Switzerland, June 2007

 

Crete, June 2004

 

Provence, France, June 2003 (f)

 

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