The Cabbage White, as this butterfly is sometimes known (brassica) is a bit of a misnomer, since the Small White butterfly (rapae) is more often seen around allottments and kitchen gardens than its bigger cousin. The large White, known primarily as a very common UK butterfly, nevertheless is also a foreigner, and has its population reinforced by migrants from the near continent, the butterflies arriving here later than the emergence of our indigenous breeding stock -usually coincident to sunshine and perhaps mild Westerly winds. However, the earliest records for Kent come from near coastal regions!

This large butterfly is common in the whole study area and so is seen almost everywhere, there are nectaring plants from London to North Kent. The smaller male butterfly might be confused with the female small white and female brimstone, though closer inspection will reveal the difference in markings.

Habit: the delicate insect exhibits a realitively slow and floppy flight. The large female butterfly is easy to spot, as it mostly settles with folded wings in the posture shown in the picture on here. It is distinct in this way from the Brimstone female butterfy that it resembles that hangs from the nectar plant. or outspread wings - the strong eyespots tempting birds away from the vulnerable body. Seen to fly in parks, gardens, allotments, rough pastures and suitably uncultivated road and railway embankments.

Breeding: double or even triple brooded: overwinters as a very distinct pale spotted pupa, which can be found harnessed on walls and fences in suitably sheltered places.

Larval Foodplant: Crucifers (cabbage, brussels) and nasturtiums also wild mignonette.

Status: not under threat in our area - numbers fluctuating year by year.

WH - White Hill Shoreham, BC - Bromley Common, Ha Hayes --BN Bromley North - Ey Eynsford - Orp Orpington ALL - All localities