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Description

A European species that was first found in western Canada in the 1860s, this is now one of the most common and widespread butterflies of the United States and southern Canada.  Many non-butterfliers perceive the size of individuals of this species as small (although they are really mid-sized for a butterfly) and think that they are moths.

Habitat

Mainly in disturbed, open habitats.

Flight Period

Throughout warm weather.  One of the first species to fly in the spring and one of the last to fly into the fall.

Caterpillar Foodplants

Plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae), including garden plants.

Scientific Information

Scientific Name - Pieris rapae