The Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) is one of the most common travelers to frequent our skies. Due to its abundance this delicate white butterfly is often overlooked and sometimes even thought of as a pest. Carrying a non-native stamp upon wing, it was introduced into the North American continent from Europe in the early 19th century.
Cabbage, hence its name, nasturtium and cultivated mustards are among this species favorite hosts and because these, and other host plants, are widely available this opportunistic flier has thrived. Although the Cabbage White is often met with disdain, I am kind to this cheery and ambitious butterfly when it visits my garden. -K.D’Angelo