Lille Kålsommerfugl
(Pieris rapae) Linnaeus (1758) Hvidvinger (Pieridae) SMWH 24840
Small White (gb)Rovfjäril (se)
Measurements:
WS: 41-53mm
Generations:
2 (second much more numeous)
Flight period:
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SE
Identification:
In Scandinavian region slightly larger than Grønåret Kålsommerfugl (Pieris napi)[Green-veined White ~ Blanca Verdinervada ~ Rapsfjäril] but always without the dark scales (powder) along the underwing veins/ribbons, but can show a general dark specled layer throughout the wings on the otherwise yellowish white ground color.
Males have a single weak black spot on the upper forewing where the females shows two strong spots. The same goes for napi. On the underside of the forewing both sexes show two distinct black spots.
The black wing tip on the forewing is normally more restricted to the apical angle than on Stor Kålsommerfugl (Pieris brassicae) [Large White ~ Blanca de la Col ~ Kålfjäril], and the inner line is almost straight.
Sydlig Kålsommerfugl (Pieris mannii) [Southern Small White ~ Blanca de Mann ~ Sydlig Rovfjäril] is a very similar species that is spreading north through Europe (2018 having reached Hamburg, Germany).
The black apical spot on the forewing is fuller than on rapae and continues further down along the outer margin. The front spot on the forewing (both sexes?) shows concave edges and is therefore more squarish than the round-looking spots on rapae. Also, between this spot and the outer margin there is often a brush of dark scales somewhat connecting the spot with the black apex.
Similar species:
Life stages:
Distribution:
N Africa, Europe to Asia and Japan. Intro N America and Australia.
Habitat:
A generalist. Looking for mates and food in a variety of habitat with suited host and feeding plants. Gardens, beaches, parks, agricultural fields, forest clearings etc.
Behavior:
Often continues to fly long stretches without perching, making it difficult to get good photos.
Status:
Common in Denmark and widespread in all of Europe.
Host plants:
Korsblomster (Brassicaceae) [Crucifers ~ Brasicáceas ~ Korsblommiga växter]
Strandkål (Crambe maritima) [Sea Kale ~ Col Marina ~ Strandkål]
Strandsennep (Cakile maritima) [Sea Rocket ~ Oruga de Mar ~ Marviol]
Farve-Vajd (Isatis tinctoria) [Woad ~ Hierba Pastel ~ Vejde]
Ager-Sennep (Sinapis arvensis) [Charlock Mustard ~ Mostaza de Campo ~ Åkersenarp]
Have-Kål (Brassica oleracea) [Wild Cabbage ~ Col Silvestre ~ Kål] and cultivated variants of white or green
In gardens often uses
Tallerkensmækker (Tropaeolum majus) [Garden Nasturtium ~ Capuchina ~ Indiankrasse]
Sommerfuglekarse (Tropaeolum peregrinum) [Canary Nasturtium ~ Capuchina Amarilla ~ Fjärilskrasse]