Description

Wingspan - 40 - 52mm. These whites differ considerably between first and second broods. The first brood is normally more heavily marked and the females more so than the males. Most first brood females have dark veins on the upper-surfaces of their wings. The first brood males may also, but not as obviously. The corners of the fore-wings are dark and the male has one spot on the fore-wing, the female two. The undersides of the hind-wings have dark green outlining the veins.

Habitat

Woodland edge, hedgerows and meadows. The adults feed on nectar from a variety of flowers and the caterpillars feed on crucifers such as garlic mustard, cuckooflower, horse radish and water-cress.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread throughout Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to September in two broods.