Cabbage White
(Pieris rapae)
Cabbage White sightings, by week (about)
Click to enlargeWautoma, Waushara Co., WI. September 16, 2003.
Click to enlargeWautoma, Waushara Co., WI. August 20, 2000.
Click to enlargeBuena Vista Marsh, Portage Co., WI. June 24, 2005.
Click to enlargeCedar Springs Fishery Area, Waushara Co., WI, August 8, 2003.
The Cabbage White was introduced into the United States in 1860 and spread rapidly throughout the country. It is currently a very common butterfly in Wisconsin. This butterfly feeds on members of the mustard family, which includes such common garden plants as broccoli, cabbage, and turnips. The first photo on the right is a photo of a Cabbage White killed by an Assasin bug.
Identifying characteristics: A plain white butterfly with a solid, black front wing tip, and with either one spot (male) or two spots (female) on the front wing. The hind wing beneath is pale yellow.
Similar species: Male Checkered Whites may be mistaken for the Cabbage White. Look for the solid black, front wing tip and black spot on the hind wing.
Habitat: Any open area with a variety of mustard species available for the larvae including gardens, old fields, and waysides.
Flight: At least three broods with the chrysalis overwintering. May be found from April through November throughout the state.
Abundance: This species is very common throughout the state and may become very abundant with 100s and even 1000s of individuals flying.
Recent Cabbage White Sightings
| Date seen | County | Reported by |
|---|---|---|
| Yesterday | Wood | Ron Arnold |
| Yesterday | Bayfield | Ryan Brady |
| Yesterday | Portage | Wayne Anderson |
| Yesterday | Ozaukee | Kevin Brown |
| Monday | Dane | Jorgen Goderstad |
| 07–13–2008 | Green | Craig Ellefson |
| 07–12–2008 | Iowa | SWBA Field Trip, 18 participants |
| 07–12–2008 | Ozaukee | Judith Huf |
| 07–12–2008 | Ozaukee | Judith Huf |
| 07–12–2008 | Portage | Wayne Anderson |
| 07–12–2008 | Wood | Ron Arnold |
| 07–11–2008 | Milwaukee | Judith Huf |
| 07–10–2008 | Portage | Wayne Anderson |
| 07–10–2008 | Dane | Ann Thering |
| 07–09–2008 | Dane | Ann Thering |
| 07–09–2008 | Dane | Jorgen Goderstad |
| 07–09–2008 | Washington | Mike Kirch |
| 07–08–2008 | Rock | Tom Poklen |
| 07–08–2008 | Dane | Tom Poklen |
| 07–08–2008 | Sauk | Andy Paulios |
| 07–06–2008 | Bayfield | Ryan Brady |
| 07–06–2008 | Dane | Joan Braune, Tod Highsmith and Mary Dykstra |
| 07–05–2008 | Wood | Ron Arnold |
| 07–05–2008 | Washington | Mike Kirch |
| 07–05–2008 | Dane | Jorgen Goderstad |
| 07–04–2008 | Iowa | Ann Thering and Dave Eide |
| 07–04–2008 | Dane | Joan Braune and Tod Highsmith |
| 07–04–2008 | Marquette | Mike Reese |
| 07–04–2008 | Dane | Jorgen Goderstad |
| 07–03–2008 | Washington | Mike Kirch |
| 07–03–2008 | Dane | Tod Highsmith |
| 07–03–2008 | Wood | Ron Arnold, Ann Thering, Mike Reese |
| 07–03–2008 | Dane | Jorgen Goderstad |
| 07–01–2008 | Dane | Jorgen Goderstad |
| 07–01–2008 | Dane | Ann Thering |
| 07–01–2008 | Milwaukee | Judith Huf |
| 06–30–2008 | Dane | Ann Thering |
| 06–30–2008 | Dane | Ann Thering |
| 06–30–2008 | Milwaukee | Judith Huf |
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Cabbage White
Pieris rapae