Large White
Pieris brassicae
National Status
Common and widespread; range stable. Population trend 10 years -28%; since 1976 -30%. Numbers fluctuate from year to year often increased by migrants from continental Europe.
West Midlands Status
This highly mobile species can be found almost anywhere, range stable. Population trend 10 years – stable.
Large White was recorded in 792 squares in 2026
10 Year Trend Analysis
Habitat
Most areas but particularly where foodplant present
Caterpillar Food Plant
The primary larval foodplant is Crucifers (various) (Cruciferae family (various)). Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) and Wild Mignonette (Reseda lutea) are also used.
Refer to the Gardening for butterflies website by Joseph Shaffery for more details about caterpillar food plants and nectar sources.
Life Cycle
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Egg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Larva | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pupa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adult | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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.
First/Last Sightings 2026
| First Sighting | Recorded by | Last Sighting | Recorded by |
| 8 February | Duncan Gallimore | 19 October | Stephen Kill |
Distribution Map
Key
Total number of sightings per tetrad
Hotspots
Brassica fields and gardens.