Cabbage white

Pieris rapae

Adult · femaleAn everyday search

A small white butterfly flutters past. Look for dark wingtips and spots on its front wings.

Little clues

Three things to notice.

Out in the world

Around southeastern Wisconsin

Gardens and lawns.

When to look

Spring through the first hard freeze of fall.

Look closely. Leave your tiny neighbor where you found it.

A closer look

Try counting the dark spots on the front wings. Males and females often have different numbers.

A special find can be hard to spot without being biologically rare. Encounters depend on season and habitat.

For curious grownups, too

Original summaries, with references for deeper reading. Field notes are being checked against the supplied research.

Make a bug slide

Front artwork is made for a 3-inch clear disc. Revised artwork still needs a physical check. Reverse QR files use the confirmed permanent website.