About Large White
A common white butterfly with black wingtips and one or two black spots on the forewing. Its green-yellow caterpillars are a major agricultural pest of brassica crops.
Did You Know?
The caterpillars sequester mustard oils from their food plants and can spray these noxious chemicals at attacking predators.
How to Identify Large White
Large White (Pieris brassicae) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Pieridae. Adults typically measure 58-63 mm wingspan.
Large White Habitat
Large White is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia, Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Large White Diet and Feeding
Large White feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Large White Found?
Large White can be found in Europe, Asia, Africa, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Large White can be found
Is Large White Dangerous?
Large White is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Large White Role in Nature
Large White plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Large White
What does Large White look like?
The Large White typically measures 58-63 mm wingspan.
Where is Large White found?
The Large White is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Large White eat?
The Large White feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Large White dangerous to humans?
The Large White is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Large White?
The caterpillars sequester mustard oils from their food plants and can spray these noxious chemicals at attacking predators.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Large White (Pieris brassicae). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/large-white
MLA:
"Large White." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/large-white.