Large White Butterfly

(Pieris brassicae) a butterfly of the family Pieridae (cabbage butterflies). Wingspan, 55–60 mm. The surfaces of the fore wings are white. A black crescent-shaped border and two black spots (the females have brighter spots) mark the outer part of the hind wings. The undersides of the wings are greenish yellow. The caterpillar is 40–45 mm long, grayish green on top and yellow underneath, and covered with yellow stripes and black spots. The egg is yellow, ribbed, and turbinate. The large white butterfly is widespread in Europe, except in the extreme northeastern regions. It is also found in the Caucasus, Middle Asia, Southwest Asia, and North Africa. This butterfly mainly harms cabbage; it also damages other cruciferous plants. There are one to five generations each year. The chrysalides hibernate during the winter; the butterflies appear in the spring. The eggs are laid in groups on the underside of leaves of cruciferous plants. The larvae feed on leaves and pupate on trees, shrubs, building walls, and other places. The large white butterfly periodically reproduces in large numbers, causing damage to vegetables. Control measures include the destruction of weeds and the treatment of plants with insecticides and the Soviet-made microbiological preparation entobacterin.