Pieris brassicae

Pronunciation
/PYE-ris brass-i-see/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Pieris brassicae
Plural
Pieris brassicae

Definition

A species of butterfly in the family Pieridae, commonly known as the cabbage white or large white.

Etymology

Named after the genus *Pieris* and its association with Brassicaceae plants like cabbage.

Example

The larvae of *Pieris brassicae* are notorious agricultural pests, feeding on a variety of cruciferous crops.

Synonyms

  • Large white
  • Cabbage white

Related Terms

Usage Notes

*Pieris brassicae* is a highly invasive species, having spread widely across Europe and North Africa.