Often called the ‘cabbage white’ this butterfly often uses cabbages as larval foodplants, earning it a less than favourable reputation among some gardeners. It is smaller than the Large White and is more subtly marked. Compared to the Southern Small White, it has less extensive black markings on the wingtip, but compared to the Mountain Small White its markings are bolder. It is fairly common throughout Europe.
Distribution: All Europe
Flight Period: March-October in several broods, but can be seen all year in southern Europe.
Habitat: Almost anywhere; common in gardens up to 3000m.
Foodplants: Various Brassicae, as well as Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum).
Nectar Sources: Brambles (Rubus), Geranium, Buddleia, Marjoram (Origanum majorana), dandelions (Taraxacum), Privet (Ligustrum vulgare), knapweeds (Centaurea), thistles (Cirsium), scabiouses (Knautia).