Green-veined White
Pieris napi
Overview
The Green-veined White is easily confused with Small White but has distinctive grey-green veining on the underside of the hindwing — visible when the butterfly rests with wings closed. It prefers damper habitats than the other whites and is the one most likely to be found near the Cuckoo Flower in dune slacks. Not associated with gardens and cabbages as much as the other whites — it's a butterfly of countryside rather than gardens.
At a Glance
| Order | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Pieridae |
| Habitat | Damp dune slack edge · Wetland edge · Hedgerow · Damp woodland |
| Diet | Adults: various flowers especially Cuckoo Flower. Larvae: wild Brassicas and Cuckoo Flower. |
| UK population | Widespread and common throughout Britain |
| Sefton Coast | Common in damp habitats on the Sefton Coast; particularly around Cuckoo Flower in dune slacks |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Damp areas and dune slack edges — more likely in moist habitats than the other whites.
Identification
White with pale grey-green veining on underside of hindwing — key feature. Upperside: small black spots on forewing, variable in extent. Delicate, floating flight. More likely in moist habitats than similar whites.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Check damp areas and Cuckoo Flower patches in the dune slacks at Ainsdale. The green veining on the underside is unmistakeable at rest.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Green-veined White a pest like the other whites?
No. Unlike Large and Small White, the Green-veined White's larvae do not eat cultivated cabbages and Brassicas. They feed on wild plants — Cuckoo Flower, Garlic Mustard, Watercress and other wild Brassica family plants. This is why Green-veined White is much more of a countryside butterfly than a garden pest.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.