Cabbage white vs Clouded sulphur
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a cabbage white from a clouded sulphur, and whether either one bites or stings.
Cabbage white
Pieris rapae
Clouded sulphur
Colias philodice
≠The key differences
White 'alba' clouded sulphur females have a dark border on the upperside and a silvery spot on the hindwing underside; cabbage whites have dark forewing tips with one or two black spots and plain, unbordered hindwings.
⚖︎Side by side
| Cabbage white | Clouded sulphur | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 32-47 mm wingspan | Wingspan 32-50 mm |
| Colours | White, Black, Pale yellow, Green (caterpillar) | Lemon yellow, Golden yellow, Pale cream, Dark brown border |
| Family | Pieridae | Pieridae |
| Habitat | Open areas, gardens, agricultural fields, roadsides, parks and wasteland where host brassicas grow | Open fields, meadows, roadsides, disturbed areas, pastures, gardens |
| Range | Native to Eurasia and North Africa; introduced and now common across North America, Australia, New Zealand and parts of South America and other temperate areas | Widespread across North America from southern Canada through the United States and into Mexico in suitable habitats |
| Active | Spring to autumn (multiple broods in warm regions); diurnal, most active in warm sunny weather | Spring through fall in most of its range; multiple broods in warm months; most active during warm sunny daytime |
| Pest? | Yes | No |
🔍How to spot a cabbage white
- White wings with a dark black apex on the forewing
- One black spot on each forewing in males; females have two black spots
- Underside of hindwing pale yellow to greenish
- Green smooth caterpillars on brassica leaves
🔍How to spot a clouded sulphur
- Small sulphur with wingspan 32-50 mm; males bright lemon/yellow with narrow dark wing borders
- Single dark disc spot on the upper forewing (both sexes) and pale spot on the underside hindwing
- Females more variable and sometimes white ('alba' form); check underside and border pattern to separate from similar species
- Habitat: look in sunny, open areas, low over fields and near nectar flowers
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cabbage white and a clouded sulphur?
White 'alba' clouded sulphur females have a dark border on the upperside and a silvery spot on the hindwing underside; cabbage whites have dark forewing tips with one or two black spots and plain, unbordered hindwings.
Is a cabbage white or a clouded sulphur more dangerous?
Cabbage white: Non-toxic. Clouded sulphur: Non-toxic. Adults and caterpillars are not venomous and do not bite or sting. Harmless to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.