| Small White | |
|
| Scientific Name | Pieris rapae |
|---|---|
| Describer | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Pieridae |
| Distribution | Worldwide |
|---|---|
| Size | 32–47 mm |
| Alternative Names | Cabbage White, Small Cabbage White, Imported Cabbageworm, White butterfly |
| Regional Names |  (モンシロチョウ),  (菜粉蝶)
|
The Small White (Pieris rapae) is a butterfly in the Pieridae family. Along with its common wild foodplants this butterfly has been accidentally introduced into many regions of the world. Males can be distinguished from females by the presence of only one black spot on the wing (females have 2-3 spots and are generally greyer overall).
The name Cabbage White is frequently applied to the butterfly outside of Europe. In Europe there are two Cabbage White butterflies (the other being P. brassicae) and the name Cabbage White is not used to avoid confusion.
Distribution[]
The butterfly is native to Europe but can now be found nearly worldwide including North America, Asia and Australia.
Habitat[]
This species frequents open meadows and forest edges. It is not commonly seen in dense forest.
Similar Species[]
The butterfly is similar to Pieris brassicae. In North America it can be easily confused with Pontia protodice and Pontia occidentalis in flight. Female Gonepteryx and other white butterflies can also be mistaken for it.
