The white-and-yellows family Pieridae includes the small- to medium-sized butterfly species Pieris rapae. The butterfly is distinguishable from P. brassicae by its greater size and the black band at the tip of its forewings. It is white in color with tiny black dots on its wings.
Amazing Facts
- This insect has unique sensors on its foot that can detect the presence of nectar in a blossom.
- There are many different symbolic meanings associated with these insects. They may represent death, impending rainy weather, or even good fortune.
- In the middle of the nineteenth century, the cabbage white butterfly was first brought to America.
- A male cabbage white butterfly will fly in a zigzag pattern to attract a female.
Appearance
It appears to be a scaled-down variation of the Large White. The forewing tips are black on the upper side, which has a creamy white color. Additionally, the forewing centers of the females feature two black specks. It has yellowish underwings with black spots on them.
Food Habits
While larval cabbage worms consume the green foliage, adult cabbage butterflies consume nectar. Butterflies that eat cabbage choose plants with nectar that contains mustard oil. The blossoms of mustard plants, dandelions, broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, collards, horseradish, kale, red clovers, asters, and mints have all been observed as sources of food for them. These plants’ leafy portions are consumed by larvae, which can sometimes reduce the plants to stalks. They got their name because they like cabbage plants.
Predators
Shield bugs, ambush bugs, vespid wasps, European wasps, harvestmen, and hoverflies are among the predators. Cabbage worms are the target of the white butterfly parasite species.
Habitat
In their caterpillar form, cabbage worms, also known as cabbage butterflies (Pieris rapae), are widespread in temperate regions of the world. Numerous habitats are home to cabbage butterflies. They can be found in practically any kind of open area, including fields, bogs, woodlands, meadows, and other similar areas.
Why not keep it as a pet?
Although watching a butterfly can be wonderful, its lifespan is short. Instead of limiting them in a human household, it is preferable to leave them alone in the wild.
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