By Nick Shamhart

There are two major types of butterflies the we generically term Cabbage Butterflies. Pieris rapae is the smaller of the two and is native throughout Europe, North Africa, Asia and Great Britain. Plus like so many species they hopped along with humans and were accidentally introduced to North America , Australia, and New Zealand. They have a two inch (5 cm) wide wingspan, and can be found in a variety of habitats (meadows to city streets) from late February to mid November in the Northern Hemisphere.

The second and larger is Pieris brassicae which is common throughout Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Plus there have been sightings in New Zealand and parts of New England. Their wingspan averages two and a half inches (5 to 6.5 cm) and are a bit less adaptable than their smaller cousins, preferring meadows and wide open spaces for habitats.

Food Sources: Adults – Dandelions, Clover, Asters, Mints, Loosestrife, and other purple, blue and yellow flowers. Larva – Not surprisingly cabbage and all its close relatives are the preferred foodstuffs. Predators: Sparrows, Goldfinch, Skylarks, and Spiders are the cabbage butterflies primary concern.

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