Cabbage White Butterfly

Pieris rapae

Bug Life Introduced IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

A rather common butterfly this specis was accidentally introduced into Australia in the 1920's. Well know for its impacts on brassica crops where the velvety green caterpillars are a pest as they eat the leaves of the cabbages etc.

Above: white to pale grey wings with black tips; two dark eyespots on the forewing, one on the hindwing. Below: similar colour to above, one eyespot (males) or two eyespots (females) on the forewing.

Size

Can grow to around 5cm

Habitat

Urban areas, forests and woodlands, and heath

Distribution

Now well established across Australia

Gallery

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Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (1)

The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Quick Facts

Common name: Cabbage White Butterfly
Scientific name: Pieris rapae (Linnaeus, 1758)
Family: Pieridae
Category: Bug Life › Butterflies & Moths
Origin: Introduced
Conservation: Not Evaluated

Australian Faunal Directory

Information Website

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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.