Species · GBIF taxon 1920496
Cabbage White Caterpillar
Pieris rapaeAlso known as Small White, Cabbage Butterfly, Small Cabbage White, Imported Cabbageworm
Cabbage white caterpillars are velvety green larvae that blend seamlessly with the leaves of broccoli, cabbage, and other cruciferous plants. They feed voraciously, chewing large, irregular holes in foliage and leaving behind distinctive dark green frass. After pupating in a slender, angular chrysalis, they emerge as the familiar white butterflies seen fluttering over gardens and fields.
HerbivoreAgricultural PestMetamorphosis
Licensed referenceJohn Tann from Sydney, Australia / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Cabbage leaves
- Broccoli leaves
- Kale leaves
Predators
- Parasitic wasps
- Insectivorous birds
- Paper wasps
ThreatsPesticide applications and heavy predation by parasitic wasps
HabitatsGardens, agricultural fields, meadows, and suburban yards
Life span3 to 6 weeks from egg to adult
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPieridae
- SpeciesPieris rapae
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Look under leaves: Search the undersides of brassica leaves for tiny, ribbed yellow eggs or young caterpillars.
- Check for frass: Locate feeding larvae by looking for dark green, pellet-like droppings on foliage.
- Handle gently: If relocating them from garden crops, pick them up carefully to avoid injuring their soft bodies.
Parasite 
Close Relative (c) Thomas Bresson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-byClose Relative Close Relative
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