Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Green-veined White Butterfly
Scientific Name:
Pieris napi
Wingspan (mm):
45mm (1 3/4in) Description
Wings white with prominent greenish veins on hind wing. Uppers have one or more spots. Small White is similar but lacks green veins. The Green-veined White can be found throughout the countryside, butprefers damp, sheltered areas. It breeds on wild crucifers and is not a pest of cabbage crops. In many areas away from human habitation, especially on higher ground and in northern latitudes, this species is more often encountered than Large or Small Whites. The dusky vein markings on the undersides of the wings are variable in colour and make it well camouflaged when it roosts among vegetation.
Distribution
This butterfly is common and widespread in Britain and Ireland, but it is probably less abundant than formerly due to loss of its grassland habitats.
Habitat
Adults occur widely but tend to congregate in damp, lush vegetation where their foodplants are found, especially hedgerows, ditches, banks of rivers, lakes, and ponds, damp meadows and moorland, and woodland rides and edges.
Diet
A range of wild crucifers is used: Garlic Mustard, Cuckooflower, Hedge Mustard, Water-cress, Charlock, Large Bitter-cress, Wild Cabbage, and Wild Radish. Nasturtium and cultivated crucifers are also used occasionally.
Status
Biodiversity Action Plan: not listed Butterfly Conservation priority: low European threat status: not threatened
Did You Know?
This butterfly is easily overlooked. Superficially it resembles the small white and will even join in the with the small white's displays.