Species account

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:
JFMAMJJASOND 
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]

Feeding plants:
Korsblomster (Brassicaceae) [Crucifers ~ Brasicáceas ~ Korsblommiga växter]
Comment:
SMWH
Small White 503    (3 photos)
2021-06-08    Kalvebod Fælled, Denmark

Imago




Small White 1901    (1 photos)
2022-07-21    Kongelundsområdet, Denmark

Imago




Small White 2239    (1 photos)
2023-08-20    Klintholm Havn (Møn), Denmark

Imago
Extraordinary yellow below. Probably a small tight fresh male looking for xxx.



Small White 1319    (1 photos)
2023-04-23    Kongelundsområdet, Denmark

Imago Han
Nordskoven.
A single animal flying at this locality.




Small White 1311    (1 photos)
2023-04-19    Kalvebod Fælled, Denmark

Imago Hun
Heksegryden i Pinseskoven.
First this year.




Small White 1790    (1 photos)
2023-07-16    Bidstrup-skovene (sjælland), Denmark

Imago Hun




Small White 1820    (2 photos)
2023-07-20    Næs-Skaverup Strandeng (sjælland), Denmark

Imago Han & Hun
Airborne flirting.