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Small white
Pieris rapae
52.2495, 6.13663
Field Notes
Description:
The Small white is a small- to medium-sized butterfly species of the Yellows-and-Whites family Pieridae. It is also known as the Small cabbage white and in New Zealand, simply as White butterfly. In appearance it looks like a smaller version of the Large white. The butterfly can be distinguished by the white color with small black dots on its wings, also they are from the smaller size and lack the black band at the tip of their forewings. The upperside is creamy white with black tips on the forewings. Females also have two black spots in the center of the forewings. Its underwings are yellowish with black speckles. It is sometimes mistaken for a moth due to its plain appearance. The wingspan of adults is roughly 32–47 mm.
Habitat:
The species can be found in any open area with diverse plant association. It can be seen usually in towns, but also in natural habitats, mostly in valley bottoms. Although an affinity towards open areas is shown, the Small white is found to have entered even small forest clearings in recent years. It is widespread and populations are found across Europe, North Africa, Asia, and Great Britain. It has also been accidentally introduced to North America, Australia and New Zealand. The caterpillar of this species is seen as a pest for commercial agriculture. Often referred to as the imported cabbageworm they are a serious pest to cabbage and other mustard family crops.
Notes:
Spotted in rural area of Deventer, Holland.
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