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| | | Large white | | The large white (Pieris brassicae), also called cabbage butterfly or cabbage white, belongs to the family Pieridae. The large white is found in a variety of habitats in northern Africa, Asia and Europe. In Europe, the large white is the most well known butterfly. | | |
| | | | It feeds on nectar from thistles and cornflowers. In May or June the females lay about 100 to 300 eggs in groups on the host plants, on the undersides of the leaves. The caterpillars hatch after about 2 weeks and are yellowish-green and spotted black. They eat in groups. The older larvae are solitary. The caterpillars can be encountered from June to October and reach lengths of up to 40 mm. They develop a clear warning sign, and are equipped with a chemical defense system which is based on sulphur compounds and derived from the forage plants (various types of cabbage, milkwort, nasturtium). After 3 to 4 weeks, the caterpillars pupate, often after long hikes in search of suitable sites. | | |
| | | The adult butterfly has a wingspan of 55 - 65 millimetres. The front wings have black edges. The females have an additional black spot on the front wings. The underside of the rear wings is grey-green. | | |
| | | There are 2-3 generations of large white per year, from March until early November. The caterpillars of the 2nd generation can cause severe damage to cabbage crops. The large white is therefore considered a pest. | | |
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| | | Description of images / photos | | 1. | Large White - Pieris brassicae | | 2. | Pieris brassicae |
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