Imported Cabbageworm vs Arctic Sulphur
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Imported Cabbageworm | Arctic Sulphur |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pieris rapae | Colias nastes |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Pieridae | Pieridae |
| Size | 45-50 mm wingspan | 36-46 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Gardens | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide | Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Rocky Mountain alpine zones |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Imported Cabbageworm
A common white butterfly whose velvety green caterpillars are among the most familiar vegetable garden pests. Adults are the small white butterflies frequently seen fluttering over gardens.
Did You Know?
Despite being called a cabbageworm, it is actually a butterfly caterpillar, not a worm or moth larva.
Arctic Sulphur
A pale greenish-white butterfly with dusky wing margins and small dark discal spots. Its subdued coloration helps it absorb warmth while basking with wings spread. It rarely strays far from its alpine or arctic habitat.
Did You Know?
On overcast days, this butterfly can raise its body temperature 10 degrees above air temperature by basking laterally to maximize solar absorption.