White butterflies are a common and often enchanting sight in gardens, fields, and open spaces. Their delicate appearance and fluttering flight bring a sense of natural beauty to outdoor environments. Several different species can appear predominantly white or very pale, leading many to wonder about their identity. These insects are a widespread part of local ecosystems.
The Ubiquitous Cabbage White
One of the most frequently observed white butterflies is the Cabbage White, scientifically known as Pieris rapae. This species is recognizable by its creamy white wings, which typically span between 32 to 47 millimeters. Males usually have one small black spot on each forewing, while females often display two more prominent black spots, along with a distinct black tip on their forewings. The undersides of their wings often show a yellowish tint with some black speckling.
Cabbage Whites are common in many habitats, including gardens, cultivated fields, and urban areas, largely due to their association with plants in the mustard family. The adult female butterflies lay single, bullet-shaped, yellowish eggs on the underside of host plant leaves, such as cabbage, broccoli, and kale. The resulting velvety-green caterpillars, known as imported cabbageworms, feed on these leaves, sometimes causing noticeable damage before they pupate and eventually emerge as adult butterflies. This species was accidentally introduced to North America around the 1860s and has since spread widely.
Other Common White or Pale Butterflies
Beyond the Cabbage White, several other butterfly species can also appear predominantly white or very pale, leading to occasional confusion. The Checkered White (Pontia protodice) is another common species found in open, dry, or disturbed habitats like fields, roadsides, and vacant lots. Its wings are chalky white with a distinctive pattern of dark gray to black spots, which are more extensive on females. This butterfly has a wingspan ranging from approximately 32 to 62 millimeters.
The Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice), while typically yellow, has a common white form in females known as ‘alba’. These pale individuals can be mistaken for other white butterflies, but they often feature a double white spot on the forewing. The underside of their hindwings may also display a silver spot encircled by red rings. Clouded Sulphurs are frequently found in open areas like meadows, lawns, and clover fields, and are known to gather at mud puddles.
The Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis or Burnsius communis) can also be seen in gardens and fields. This butterfly is generally brown with extensive white “checkering” across its wings, giving it a somewhat mottled appearance. Its wingspan typically ranges from 19 to 32 millimeters, making it smaller than the Cabbage White. The body of the Common Checkered-Skipper often has a blue-gray tone.
Distinguishing Features for Identification
Differentiating these white and pale butterfly species requires careful observation. The Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) is distinguished by its black wing tips and one or two black forewing spots, along with its direct, determined flight. The Checkered White (Pontia protodice) shows a more pronounced checkerboard pattern of black spots, especially on females. The white Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice) has a double white forewing spot and a unique silver spot with red rings on its hindwing underside, often flying rapidly close to the ground. The Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis) is brown-bodied with extensive white checkering and a fast, darting flight, often displaying hooked antennae.