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, but prefers 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.
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.
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.
This butterfly is easily overlooked. Superficially it resembles the small white and will even join in the with the small white's displays.
