Cabbage white vs Large white
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a cabbage white from a large white, and whether either one bites or stings.
Cabbage white
Pieris rapae
Large white
Pieris brassicae
≠The key differences
Larger (wingspan about 55-65 mm) with a bolder black forewing tip that extends down the outer edge; males lack upperside forewing spots, while females have two.
Smaller (about 45-50 mm wingspan) and usually with single smaller black spot(s); forewing black tips less extensive than in Large white
⚖︎Side by side
| Cabbage white | Large white | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 32-47 mm wingspan | 55-65 mm wingspan |
| Colours | White, Black, Pale yellow, Green (caterpillar) | White, Black, Pale yellow, Green (caterpillar) |
| Family | Pieridae | Pieridae |
| Habitat | Open areas, gardens, agricultural fields, roadsides, parks and wasteland where host brassicas grow | Gardens, farmland, meadows, hedgerows and other open, flowery places near brassica plants |
| 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, North Africa and temperate Asia |
| Active | Spring to autumn (multiple broods in warm regions); diurnal, most active in warm sunny weather | Spring to autumn; day-flying and most active in warm, sunny weather |
| Pest? | Yes | Yes |
🔍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 large white
- Large white with 55-65 mm wingspan; bold black wingtips on forewings and two black spots on female forewings
- Males lack the black forewing spots on the upperside (females have two)
- Caterpillars are yellow and bluish-green with black spots and often feed in groups on brassica plants
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cabbage white and a large white?
Larger (wingspan about 55-65 mm) with a bolder black forewing tip that extends down the outer edge; males lack upperside forewing spots, while females have two. Smaller (about 45-50 mm wingspan) and usually with single smaller black spot(s); forewing black tips less extensive than in Large white
Is a cabbage white or a large white more dangerous?
Cabbage white: Non-toxic. Large white: Non-toxic. Adults and caterpillars are not venomous and do not bite or sting. Adults and caterpillars are not dangerous 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.