Pieris species, commonly known as whites, belong to one of the most familiar butterfly genera across Europe and the Mediterranean basin, also found throughout North Africa and much of temperate Asia. They turn up readily in gardens, vegetable patches, roadside verges, and open fields, thriving even in landscapes heavily shaped by human activity.
Their flight is low and somewhat erratic, typical of the Pieridae family, and can be seen almost year-round in temperate climates, with several generations following one another from spring through autumn. White is the dominant wing colour, sometimes shading into cream, usually paired with dark markings at the wingtips or margins; the underside of the hindwing tends toward a muted pale yellow or greenish tone.
The caterpillars feed mainly on plants in the cabbage family (Brassicaceae), which has made a number of species in this genus well-known agricultural pests on garden and field crops.
• Πιερίδα του λάχανου
• Large White / Cabbage White
• Blanca de la Col
Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Pieridae
Genus: Pieris
Species: likely Pieris brassicae (iNaturalist) | butterfliesofcrete.com
Armenoi, Crete, Greece
Camera: Canon EOS R7
Lens: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Capture Information:
Focal Length: 100.0 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/8000
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO: 800
Photo Taken: May 14, 2026
High resolution
Flickr Gallery