Cabbage White

Pieris rapae

Can you guess what the caterpillars of this butterfly like to eat? If you used the butterfly's name as a clue, you are right! The caterpillars have a taste for cabbages -- as well as radishes and nasturtium flowers. As a result, farmers and gardeners consider this butterfly a nuisance.

Look For : Yellowish-white hind wings and white fore wings with gray tips. The male has one black spot on each fore wing; the female has two. The caterpillar is bright green with yellow stripes.

Length : 1 1/4-1 7/8".

Habitat : Gardens, farms, fields, cities.

Range : Widespread except most northerly regions.