The Cabbage White is a small to medium-sized butterfly that can be found throughout the United States and in Southern Canada. When the wings are open, the dorsal side in the male displays a creamy white coloration with a single black spot on the primary wings, whereas the female is rather pale yellowish, with two black spots placed somewhere around the center. When the wings are closed, the ventral side exhibits a yellowish tinge along with some black speckles.

 

“Cabbage White Butterfly” by Cam Miller, licensed under (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

Cabbage White Facts

Butterfly Family: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Pierinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 3/4 – 2 1/4 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Almost any type of open space including weedy areas, gardens, roadsides, cities, and suburbs

 

Cabbage White Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Mustard Family
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Radish

Nectar Plants:

• Nectar from various flowers
  • Dandelion
  • Red Clover
  • Asters
  • Mints
• Mustards