West Midlands Status: This highly mobile species can be found almost anywhere, range stable. Population trend 10 years – stable.- Hotspots: Brassica fields and gardens.
- Habitat: Most areas but particularly where foodplant present
- Flight Period Two generations per year with an occasional third brood following a hot summer. First brood appears from mid-April although a few individuals may appear in March with the second brood from late June.
- Wingspan Male 58 mm, female 63 mm.
Caterpillar Food Plant – The primary larval foodplant is Crucifers (various) (Cruciferae family (various)). Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) and Wild Mignonette (Reseda lutea) are also used.
Life Cycle
Caterpillar Foodplant – The main foodplants are Crucifers (various) (Cruciferae family (various)) and Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus). Charlock (Sinapis arvensis), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Hedge Mustard (Sisymbrium officinale), Hoary Cress (Lepidium draba), Wild Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and Wild Mignonette (Reseda lutea) are also used
- The Charts show the distribution over the last 5 years – Complete coverage
- The Population Trend from Transect Records – Considered stable but greatly variable
- Phenology from Casual Recordsm
West Midlands Butterflies Blog 