Southern small white

Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies

Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas

Adult southern small white are attracted to nectar-rich flowers, so planting or identifying areas with an abundance of flowering plants may serve as a natural lure.

The eggs of southern small white can frequently be found on the underside of leaves of cruciferous plants, where they are delicately attached. Caterpillars, post-hatching, predominantly reside on the host plants, munching on the leaves. These host plants are often found in gardens, fields, and areas with abundant vegetable growth. Pupae typically attach themselves to the stems or leaves of nearby plants or even on structures in the vicinity, where they undergo metamorphosis. To spot these stages, one would inspect the specified plants methodically for the presence of eggs, caterpillars, or chrysalises, paying special attention to the undersides of leaves and secluded spots on the host plants. Adult southern small white butterflies are commonly seen fluttering in open, sunny habitats, including meadows, parks, and gardens, especially where flowering plants are abundant.

For adult southern small white, the best time to search is on warm, sunny days when they are most active, usually from late morning to early afternoon. For eggs and larvae, timing may be more dependent on the plant growth stages of their specific host plants.

Clear, dry, and calm weather conditions are ideal when searching for southern small white, as these conditions promote active flight and feeding. Avoid searching during rainy, windy, or cold weather when southern small white are less active and may be hiding.