Though often referred to as 'cabbage whites', there are several species of white butterfly. All are generally common and can often be seen in gardens. The different species can be hard to identify when flying, but at rest they can be distinguished relatively easily. Visit the NatureSpot butterfly gallery to see all the species found in Leicestershire and Rutland.
Green-veined White
Similar in size to the Small White but easily distinguished when the wings are closed - The 'green' veins on the underside of the wings are, in fact, an illusion created by a subtle combination of yellow and black scales.
ID: Greenish veins on the underside of the wings.
Small White
The first generation appears in late April, peaking in mid May. The second brood then appears in July. The main caterpillar food plants are various Crucifers and Nasturtium.
ID: No green veins on the underside of the wings. The black tips to the wings are an unequal triangle - longer along the front edge.
Large White
This is the largest of our 'white' butterflies. Females have two black spots, males just one. The main caterpillar foodplants are Crucifers (Cabbage family) but Nasturtium is also eaten.
ID: Larger than the other 'whites'. The black corners to the wings form an equilateral triangle.
Orange-tip - female
Males have conspicuous orange tips to their wings, but in females the tips are black so they resemble other white butterflies.
ID: Rounded wing tips. Mottled green lower underwings.
Brimstone - female
Whilst males are bright yellow, the greenish females can appear pale white in strong light. It hibernates as an adult through the winter, its leaf-shaped outline helping it to hide in vegetation. Its caterpillars feed on the leaves of Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn.
ID: Pale green with tiny orange spots. Pointed wing tips and leaf outline when at rest.
