Pieris rapae

Definition

A small-to-medium-sized butterfly species in the family Pieridae, native to Eurasia and introduced worldwide. Adults are white with small black forewing spots; larvae are major agricultural pests of Brassicaceae crops. The nominate subspecies P. r. rapae occurs in Europe and North Africa, while P. r. crucivora is widespread in Asia.

Etymology

Example

Pieris rapae crucivora, the Asian subspecies, shows stronger cold tolerance than European populations and has expanded its range into northern Japan.

Synonyms

• small white
• cabbage white
• small cabbage white

Related Terms

• Pieridae
• Pieris brassicae
• Brassicaceae
• pest insect
• Lepidoptera
• host plant

Usage Notes

Distinguished from the larger Pieris brassicae (large white) by size and wing pattern. Common names vary regionally: "small white" in Europe, "cabbage white" or "cabbage butterfly" in North America. Subspecies taxonomy remains under revision; some authorities recognize P. r. orientalis as distinct from P. r. crucivora.