Species account

Stor Kålsommerfugl (Pieris brassicae)    Linnaeus (1758)
   Hvidvinger (Pieridae)    LAWH    24839
Large White (gb)   Blanca de la Col (es)   Kålfjäril (se)  
Subspecies
brassicae
Europe to Turkey, Chile, USA, Japan.
ottonis
Röber (1907).
kashmirensis
Rishi (1973).
nepalensis
Gray (1846).
Measurements:
WS: 54-61mm
Generations:
1-3 (second the most numerous)
Flight period:
JFMAMJJASOND 
SE
Identification:

It is generally larger than the other whites in the Nordic region.

The extent and shape of the black forewing tip is the best way to separate the species. On LAWH the black continues further down the outer margin, than on the other whites, leaving the impression of a symmetrical boomerang spreading out from the apex corner. The black marking on the apex is dusted white in 1st brood; more intense black in 2nd. Second generation is generally larger.
Males show no black spots on the upper forewing, the female two. The underside is pale yellowish with an individual amount of dark scales scattered throughout - never concentrated as on Grønåret Kålsomerfugl (Pieris napi) [Green-veined White ~ Blanca Verdinervada ~Rapsfjäril] though. Both sexes show two black spots on the underside of the forewing.
Similar species:
Life stages:
Distribution:
N Africa, Europe, Middle East and Asia to Himalayas. Intro Chile.
Habitat:
Originally forest clearings, wet meadows and coastal slopes. Today adapted to the cultivated landscape and can be seen almost everywhere.

In the past known to form huge migration waves moving from central Europe to the north in their millions. But after the wide use of pesticides these eruptions don't occur anymore.
Behavior:
Moves around a lot in a fluttering but still purposeful manner, why most of the time you just see them flying by in search of more food, host plants or mating-ready females.
Status:
Common in Denmark and southern Scandinavia.
Host plants:
In general:
Korsblomster (Brassicaceae) [Crucifers ~ Brasicáceas ~ Korsblommiga växter]
including:
Løgkarse (Alliaria petiolata) [Garlic Mustard ~ Hierba de Ajo ~ Löktrav]

Especially aggressive toward:
Have-Kål (Brassica oleracea) [Wild Cabbage ~ Col Silvestre ~ Kål] (especially the consumable white and green forms)
Peberrod (Armoracia rusticana) [Horseradish ~ Rábano Picante ~ Pepparrot]

Garden plants:
Vellugtende Aftenstjerne (Hesperis matronalis) [Damask-Violet ~Juliana ~ Hesperis]
Tallerkensmækker (Tropaeolum majus) [Garden Nasturtium ~ Capuchina ~ Indiankrasse]
Sommerfuglekarse (Tropaeolum peregrinum) [Canary Nasturtium ~ Capuchina Amarilla ~ Fjärilskrasse]
Edderkopplante (Cleome hassleriana) [Spider Flower ~ Flor Araña]
Farve-Vajd (Isatis tinctoria) [Woad ~ Hierba Pastel ~ Vejde]
Comment:
In Denmark and southern Sweden often flying in 3 generations. Further north only in two.
Large White 1956    (2 photos)
2023-05-21    Kongelundsområdet, Denmark

Imago




Large White 1700    (1 photos)
2023-06-24    Grusgrav ved Mogenstrup (Sjælland), Denmark

Imago




Large White 609    (1 photos)
2022-05-03    Kongelundsområdet, Denmark

Imago Han




Large White 610    (1 photos)
2022-05-03    Kongelundsområdet, Denmark

Imago Han




Large White 1648    (2 photos)
2023-05-18    Søholt Storskov (Maribo), Denmark

Imago Han




Large White 1955    (1 photos)
2023-05-21    Kongelundsområdet, Denmark

Imago Han




Large White 1856    (3 photos)
2022-07-21    Kongelundsområdet, Denmark

Imago Hun




Large White 1857    (2 photos)
2022-07-21    Kongelundsområdet, Denmark

Imago Hun




Large White 1573    (1 photos)
2023-06-07    Valdemarsvik (Östergötland), Sweden

Imago Hun
A common species not also easy to get close to, why you have to act on it when you can.



Large White 1784    (2 photos)
2023-07-14    Kongelundsområdet, Denmark

Imago Hun
Skovfogedmarken.
A rather rare visitor among the many Small Whites.




Large White 2083    (2 photos)
2023-07-28    Addit Hede (midtjylland), Denmark

Imago Hun




Large White 2149    (2 photos)
2023-08-05    Voervadsbro (midtjylland), Denmark

Imago Hun