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Life Stages Diagram
The bars in this diagram show approximate times of the year when the butterfly will be present, in Nova Scotia, in its various life stages.

The dates shown for the adult stage are based on actual reports for Nova Scotia. The majority of reports will be within the period shown, but small numbers of adults will be earlier or later.

Dates for egg, larva and pupa are based on what information was available regarding time periods for eggs to develop, and typical time required for pupation. Like the adults, some records can be expected outside the date ranges we have shown. We caution that dates for these immature stages are mostly conjectural.

Cabbage White - Pieris rapae
[Cabbage White image]
Cabbage White - Kentville Ravine - 2012-07-17
Photo © Peter Payzant
What's this?
Status in Nova Scotia
Abundant throughout.

Flight Period
Possibly up to six broods. Early April until late October.

Habitat
All habitats, including woodland, urban and agricultural areas.

Larval Foodplants
An agricultural pest species, feeding on cabbage and other cole crops.

Similar Species in Nova Scotia
Somewhat similar to Mustard White.

Notes
This species was introduced into North America in Quebec in the 1860s, and is now one of our most abundant butterflies. It is also known as the "Cabbage Butterfly" and, in Europe, as the "Small White".

Further Reading


Cabbage White - Debert, NS, 2012-08-27
Cabbage White - Debert, NS - 2012-08-27
2012-08-27
Photo © Jim Edsall
Cabbage White - Spryfield, NS, 2010-06-04
Cabbage White - Pair in courtship rejection - Spryfield, NS - 2010-06-04
2010-06-04
Photo © Phil Schappert
Cabbage White - Halifax, NS, 2012-04-26
Cabbage White - Halifax, NS - 2012-04-26
2012-04-26
Photo © Rita Viau
Cabbage White - Apple River, NS, 2012-06-02
Cabbage White - Apple River, NS - 2012-06-02
2012-06-02
Photo © Kathleen F. Spicer
Cabbage White - Pugwash, 2014-07-19
Cabbage White - Pugwash - 2014-07-19
2014-07-19
Photo © Dan Rolfe
Cabbage White - Victoria Park, Truro, 2020-08-28
Cabbage White - Victoria Park, Truro - 2020-08-28
2020-08-28
Photo © William Crawford