Butterfly ID
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Field guide · Sweden
Whites and yellows · Sweden

Green-veined white

Pieris napi

Green-veined white is one of our most common butterflies and adapted to nearly all biotopes, from coastal areas to mountain slopes. It is recognised by the greenish-black dusting along the veins of the hindwing underside.

Status in this countryCommon in SwedenLC (Least concern)
Green-veined white

Flight period

The first generation of butterflies emerge (northward to Svealand) as early as the end of April; a second generation emerges 3–6 weeks after egg laying. In Southern Sweden, a third generation is often present. The butterfly is more abundant during the summer months, rather than in spring and early summer.

Habitat

It covers all biotopes between exposed coastal areas and south-facing mountain slopes; it is only missing from heathlands and in remote forested areas.

Identifying features

Wingspan 37–47 mm. The wings are white on the upper side, with grey or black markings: the forewing has a dark pointed spot, and the female has two round spots. This species is clearly distinguishable from other white hairstails in Scandinavia by the broad greenish-grey dusting on both sides of the wing veins on the underside of the yellowish hindwing.

Similar species

The species differs clearly from other white hairstrikes in Northern Europe through the broad greenish-black dusting on both sides of the wing veins on the underside of the hindwing – a reliable characteristic.

Distribution

Green-veined white is widespread throughout Northern Europe, but is more limited in precipitation-poor areas within the mountainous regions. Its global distribution encompasses all areas within the temperate climate zone in Europe, Asia, and North America. Population trends are stable in all countries in Europe.

Biology

Egg and larval development is very short, allowing several generations per season. Many of the cruciferous host plants benefit from disturbance and grow on road verges, fallow fields and shores, including garlic mustard and charlock. This is one of the few butterflies that also flies in cloudy but warm weather, and it is unpalatable to birds at every stage.