Cabbage white vs Green-veined white
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a cabbage white from a green-veined white, and whether either one bites or stings.
Cabbage white
Pieris rapae
Green-veined white
Pieris napi
≠The key differences
Underside of hindwing has distinct greenish veins; wing tips less uniformly dark than Pieris rapae.
Pieris rapae usually lacks the clear green venation on the underside and often shows more distinct dark tips and spots on the forewings.
⚖︎Side by side
| Cabbage white | Green-veined white | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 32-47 mm wingspan | Wingspan about 40-50 mm |
| Colours | White, Black, Pale yellow, Green (caterpillar) | White, Green-veined (pale green), Black (spots and wing tips) |
| Family | Pieridae | Pieridae |
| Habitat | Open areas, gardens, agricultural fields, roadsides, parks and wasteland where host brassicas grow | Damp meadows, woodland edges, hedgerows, riverbanks, gardens and parks where host plants grow |
| 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 | Palearctic: widespread across Europe, temperate Asia and parts of North Africa |
| Active | Spring to autumn (multiple broods in warm regions); diurnal, most active in warm sunny weather | Spring through late summer or autumn (multiple broods in warmer areas); diurnal, most active in warm, sunny weather |
| 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 green-veined white
- Underside of hindwing with pale greenish veins visible through the wing — the key field mark
- Adults mostly white above with small dark forewing spots; females often slightly more marked
- Wingspan about 40-50 mm, smaller and more delicately marked than Pieris brassicae (large white)
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cabbage white and a green-veined white?
Underside of hindwing has distinct greenish veins; wing tips less uniformly dark than Pieris rapae. Pieris rapae usually lacks the clear green venation on the underside and often shows more distinct dark tips and spots on the forewings.
Is a cabbage white or a green-veined white more dangerous?
Cabbage white: Non-toxic. Green-veined white: Non-toxic. Adults and caterpillars are not venomous and do not bite or sting. Pieris napi is harmless to humans.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.