Gallery - Whites and Yellows

Whites and Yellows (Pieridae)

A worldwide group of 2000 medium sized species, with almost 40 species in Europe. Males usually differ slightly from females in colour-pattern.All six legs are functional. The caterpillars lack spines and are usually green in colour. Most feed on legumes(Pea Family) or crucifers (Cabbage Family). The chrysalis is attached head-up to thefoodplant by tail hooks and a girdle of silk.

Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines)

This butterfly is fairly common throughout Europe except Southern Spain and the far north. It prefers open woodland, flowery meadows and sometimes gardens up to 2000m. The green caterpillar has a white line along each side and is darker underneath. The pupa is very slender and looks like a seed pod.

Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

Common butterfly found throughoutEurope except for Scotland and North Scandinavia. It prefers open woodland and forest edges, sometimes gardens up to about 1800m. Tends to stay on the move, never staying in one place for long. The catapillar is green with a pale line along each side. The pupa is very leaf like.

Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus)

A common butterfly across central and Southern Europe, often migrating northwards in the spring and summer reaching as far as S Scandinavia as well as Southern England.

Large White (Peris brassicae)

This is I expect the most familiar butterfly in Europe, found everywhere except the far north. It is found wherever there are flowers and suttable food plants. The caterpillars are green with black spots and a yellow line along the back and sides.

Green-veined White (Pieris napi)

This is a common butterfly throughout Europe and is found almost everywhere, including gardens up to around 2500m. it is always on the move, never staying in one place for long. The caterpillar is pale green, covered with minute black dots, and has a row of yellow spots along each side.

Small White (Pieris rapae)

One of the commonest European butterflies, found almost everywhere execpt the far north. It can be seen wherever there are sutable flowers and food plants.The caterpillar is green with a pale yellowish line down the back and a row of yellow spots along the sides.

Wood White (Leptidae sinapis)

This little butterfly prefers open woodland and forest edges up to about 2000m, it has a week, fluttery flight. Found in the south of England, Wales and Ireland.

© Simon Thurgood 2024
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