About Madeiran Large White
A subspecies of the large white butterfly that was endemic to Madeira. It has not been reliably recorded since the 1970s and may be extinct.
Did You Know?
Pesticide use and introduced parasitoid wasps are believed to have driven it to the brink of extinction.
How to Identify Madeiran Large White
Madeiran Large White (Pieris brassicae wollastoni) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Pieridae. Adults typically measure 5-6 cm wingspan.
Madeiran Large White Habitat
Madeiran Large White is found in forests habitats, particularly across Portugal. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Madeiran Large White Diet and Feeding
Madeiran Large White is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Madeiran Large White Found?
Madeiran Large White can be found in Portugal, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Madeiran Large White can be found
Is Madeiran Large White Dangerous?
Madeiran 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.
Madeiran Large White Role in Nature
Madeiran Large White is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Madeiran Large White
What does Madeiran Large White look like?
The Madeiran Large White typically measures 5-6 cm wingspan.
Where is Madeiran Large White found?
The Madeiran Large White is found in Portugal and typically inhabits forests environments.
What does Madeiran Large White eat?
The Madeiran Large White feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Madeiran Large White dangerous to humans?
The Madeiran Large White is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Madeiran Large White endangered?
The Madeiran Large White is currently classified as Critically Endangered by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Madeiran Large White?
Pesticide use and introduced parasitoid wasps are believed to have driven it to the brink of extinction.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Madeiran Large White (Pieris brassicae wollastoni). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/madeiran-large-white
MLA:
"Madeiran Large White." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/madeiran-large-white.