Small White Butterfly - Pieris rapae

Phylum: Arthropoda - Class: Insecta - Order: Lepidoptera - Family: Pieridae

The Small White butterfly first appears in March and is seen on the wing throughout the summer and into autumn. There are two or more broods per year. They are found in open countryside throughout Britain.

The catterpillars of the small white butterfly can do great damage to brassicas such as cabbages and broccoli - as also can its close relative the Large White, which is often referred to as the 'cabbage white' butterfly.

Studying butterflies and moths...