The Cabbage White Pieris canidia canidia (Martin 1909) A Cabbage White (Pieris canidia canidia) stopping at rest

Scientific Data and Other Important Notes Family : Pieridae SubFamily : Pierinae Genus : Pieris (Schrank 1801) Common Name : The Cabbage White Wingspan: 45-50mm   Host Plant:  The caterpillar of this species has been bred on Cleome rutidosperma. Similar species: Psyche (which has a much weaker flight)   Status in Singapore: Local in distribution but can be common where it occurs Habitat : Open sunny areas, along grassy fringes of cultivated locations.

Description :  The Cabbage White has predominantly white wings, with usually a few black post-discal spots and a black apical border on the forewings above.  The females are more heavily black-dusted, and possess a distinct double spot in space 1b of the forewing.

Habitat & habits : This species occurs in open grassy areas and flies in the company of the Striped Albatross.  It is a much weaker flyer, and keeps close to the ground, looking for the flowers of common weeds to feed on.  On a sunny day, it has a restless flight, and rarely stops to rest. 

Other Observations :   It occurs in urban areas as well as parklands and can sometimes be common where it occurs.  Often, several individuals are seen at one time, especially in the vicinity of its host plant. 

Early Stages :  The caterpillar is green with a yellow lateral stripe along its back.  It has been bred on Cleome rutidosperma and it shares this host plant with the Psyche and the Striped Albatross. 
  FURTHER READING AND WEB RESOURCES

• Ziegler, Heiner : "Pieridae der Holarktis", Systematic comparison of P. canidia