Follow the cycle of the cabbage white butterfly
The cabbage white butterfly (Pieris brassicae), is a common butterfly in gardens in France from April to October depending on the temperatures are not too low. It is a fairly simple species to meet to enjoy the fascinating spectacle of butterflies and their metamorphosis. Over the months, this insect goes through several stages of development, through this series of photographs, I invite you to follow the journey of the cabbage white butterfly in my garden, from the egg to the exit of its chrysalis.
As its name suggests, it is part of the Pieridae family, identifiable by its white wings for the male with a black spot and the pale yellow forewing for the female with 2 black spots. This butterfly measures 50 to 66cm.
A discreet beginning
The life cycle of the cabbage white butterfly begins as an egg, delicately deposited by the female under the leaves of cabbage, or other cruciferous plants, grouped into small packets.
Brotherhood
The caterpillars emerge in large numbers and begin to feed on the cabbage leaves. The caterpillar quickly takes on its characteristic shape: green/yellow and spotted with black and white hair. This phase is one of intensive feeding, because the caterpillar must accumulate reserves for its future metamorphosis. As it grows, the caterpillar undergoes several moults which will allow it to grow and will have increasingly marked colors.
The chrysalis
Once the caterpillar has reached adult size, it prepares for its final metamorphosis. It weaves around itself a chrysalis, a protective shell where one of the most spectacular transformations in nature takes place.
The birth of the butterfly
When the chrysalis finally breaks, a “brand new” butterfly emerges, its wings still fragile and folded. This is a particularly delicate step, because the butterfly must let its wings unfold and solidify before it can take flight.
The cycle begins again
Once the adult is mature, the butterfly feeds on a liquid diet, it only has a proboscis (it is impossible for a butterfly to sting or bite you!) then it tries to reproduce.
The females lay their eggs again on the cabbage leaves, and the cycle begins again. This cycle over a year is called a generation, the cabbage white butterfly has 2 to 3 generations
Sources:
Guide Delachaux Insectes de France et d’Europe, Delachaux et Niestlé
Guide atlas des Rhopalocères “Les papillons des Côtes d’Armor”, Vivarmor Nature