The green-veined white is a common butterfly of hedgerows, woodlands, gardens and parks. It is similar to other white butterflies, but has prominent green stripes on the undersides of its wings.
Species information
Statistics
Wingspan: 4.0-5.2cmConservation status
Common.
When to see
April to OctoberAbout
The green-veined white is a fairly small, white butterfly that is on the wing between April and October. A common butterfly, it is found in a wide variety of habitats, including hedgerows, woodland rides and meadows, as well as farmland, gardens and parks. It especially likes damp areas with lush vegetation. Water-cress is a very common host plant for the butterfly. The foodplants of the caterpillars are members of the cabbage family, including cuckooflower and hedge mustard.How to identify
The green-veined white is white with black wingtips and one or two black spots on the forewing. Smaller than the large white, it has less black in the wing. It can be distinguished from the very similar Small white by the thick, grey-green stripes along the veins on the undersides of its wings. It also tends to be found in damper habitats.In our area
How to attract orange-tip and other butterflies into your garden
Provide food for caterpillars and choose nectar-rich plants for butterflies and you’ll have a colourful, fluttering display in your garden for many months. Read more