Green-veined white vs Large white
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a green-veined white from a large white, and whether either one bites or stings.
Green-veined white
Pieris napi
Large white
Pieris brassicae
≠The key differences
Larger and more heavily marked with bolder dark bands on the forewings and larger black markings on the upperwing surface.
Shows distinct greenish veins on the underside of the hindwing and the black markings on upper forewing are usually weaker
⚖︎Side by side
| Green-veined white | Large white | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | Wingspan about 40-50 mm | 55-65 mm wingspan |
| Colours | White, Green-veined (pale green), Black (spots and wing tips) | White, Black, Pale yellow, Green (caterpillar) |
| Family | Pieridae | Pieridae |
| Habitat | Damp meadows, woodland edges, hedgerows, riverbanks, gardens and parks where host plants grow | Gardens, farmland, meadows, hedgerows and other open, flowery places near brassica plants |
| Range | Palearctic: widespread across Europe, temperate Asia and parts of North Africa | Palearctic: widespread across Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia |
| Active | Spring through late summer or autumn (multiple broods in warmer areas); diurnal, most active in warm, sunny weather | Spring to autumn; day-flying and most active in warm, sunny weather |
| Pest? | No | Yes |
🔍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)
🔍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 green-veined white and a large white?
Larger and more heavily marked with bolder dark bands on the forewings and larger black markings on the upperwing surface. Shows distinct greenish veins on the underside of the hindwing and the black markings on upper forewing are usually weaker
Is a green-veined white or a large white more dangerous?
Green-veined white: Non-toxic. Large white: Non-toxic. Pieris napi is harmless to humans. 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.