Cabbage White Butterfly

Pieris rapae

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

-3 Pest

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

gardenstownsopen areasvalley bottomsforest clearings

Taxonomic Group

Butterfly

Order

Lepidoptera

Family

Pieridae

Lifecycle

The Cabbage White Butterfly undergoes a complete metamorphosis with four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The cycle begins when the female lays single, yellowish, oblong eggs on the undersides of host plant leaves. These eggs hatch in 4 to 8 days. The larval stage, commonly known as the imported cabbageworm, lasts for two to three weeks. The larvae are velvety-green with a faint yellow dorsal stripe and a row of yellow spots. They are voracious eaters, feeding on the leaves and heads of cruciferous crops. After reaching maturity, the larva pupates on the host plant. The pupal stage lasts for one to two weeks, after which the adult butterfly emerges. The entire life cycle from egg to adult takes three to six weeks, and there can be three to five generations per year.

Overwintering Strategy

Pupae overwinter on host plants.

Native Range

Eastern Mediterranean region of Europe

Attracted By

cabbagekalebok choybroccolicauliflowercharlockhedge mustardpurple flowersblue flowersyellow flowers

Repelled By

thymedilloreganolavenderoniongarlicmarigoldsrosemarymintmarjoramsagechamomile

Organic Control Methods

Organic control methods for the Cabbage White Butterfly focus on prevention and biological control. One of the most effective methods is the use of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk), a naturally occurring bacterium that is toxic to the larvae. It should be applied every seven days after the larvae first appear. Cultural controls include planting cabbage as an early crop so that it matures before the butterfly population builds up. Planting resistant varieties of cabbage such as 'Mommoth', 'Red Rock', 'Chieftan Savoy', and 'Savoy Perfection Drumhead' can also reduce damage. Row covers or netting can be used to prevent the butterflies from laying eggs on the plants.

Companion Planting

Companion planting can be an effective strategy to deter Cabbage White Butterflies. Aromatic herbs such as thyme, dill, oregano, lavender, rosemary, mint, marjoram, sage, and chamomile can be interplanted with brassica crops to repel the butterflies. Alliums, including onions and garlic, are also effective deterrents. Marigolds are a popular choice for companion planting as their pungent scent is known to repel Cabbage White Butterflies.