Small White
Pieris rapae
National Status
Common, widespread and stable. Population trend 10 years to 2016 +9%; since 1976 -25%. Numbers fluctuate from year to year reinforced by migrants from continental Europe.
West Midlands Status
West Midlands Status: Common throughout. Range stable. Population trend 10 years to 2016 – slight increase.
Small White was recorded in 927 squares in 2026
10 Year Trend Analysis
Habitat
Most areas but particularly where foodplant present.
Caterpillar Food Plant
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.
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 broods with an occasional third. A few individuals may appear in late March but the first brood starts mid-late April with the second brood in July.
First/Last Sightings 2026
| First Sighting | Recorded by | Last Sighting | Recorded by |
| 17 March | Goodall, Jason | 19 October | Shearan, David |
Distribution Map
Key
Total number of sightings per tetrad