Photo © Peter Eeles
The Large White is one of two species (the other being the Small White) that can claim the title of "Cabbage White" that is the bane of allotment holders all over the British Isles. The larva of this species can reach pest proportions, and decimate cabbages to the point that they become mere skeletons of their former selves. The female is distinguished from the male by the presence of 2 black spots, together with a black dash, on the forewing upperside. This is one of the most widespread species found in the British Isles and can be found almost anywhere, including Orkney and Shetland. This species is also known to migrate to the British Isles from the continent, augmenting the resident population in the process.
The Large White has a powerful flight and is able to migrate over large distances. It is one of our most widespread species, and a common sight in gardens throughout the British Isles.
This species is found in a wide variety of habitats and can turn up almost anywhere, including gardens, allotments, parks, meadows, open grassland, and hedgerows.
Adults feed primarily on Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Buddleja (Buddleja spp.), Bugle (Ajuga reptans), Common Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), dandelions (Taraxacum spp.), Devil's-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis), Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis), Hemp-agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum), knapweeds (Centaurea spp.), Ragged-Robin (Silene flos-cuculi), ragworts (Jacobaea spp.), thistles (Carduus spp. and Cirsium spp.), Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare) and Wild Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum).
The primary larval foodplant is Cabbage family (Brassicaceae). Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), Sea-kale (Crambe maritima) and Wild Mignonette (Reseda lutea) are also used.
