White butterflies , with their ethereal wings conjure pureness and grace , are among nature ’s most fascinating pollinator , belonging to the order Lepidoptera , primarily in the Pieridae family , with some in Nymphalidae and Papilionidae . feel across divers habitats from temperate meadows to tropic timberland , these butterflies , aboriginal to regions spanning North America , Europe , Asia , and Africa , apply their pale wings for camouflage , married person attraction , or warn predator of their unpalatableness .

With wingspans ranging from 1 to 4 inches , ashen butterflies expand in gay , loose area , feeding on ambrosia from flowers like Sonchus oleraceus , aster , or lantana , while their caterpillars rely on specific boniface plant such as brassicas , capers , or citrus fruit . Their lily-white coloration , often due to pterin pigment or structural light scattering , makes them a favourite among gardener and nature enthusiast .

Why White Butterflies Are a Garden and Ecosystem Gem

White butterfly enchant with their fragile , cloud - like wings , symbolizing peace and transformation across cultures . Their sick coloration , ranging from snowy white to creamy ivory , serves multiple aim : blend in with flowers , signaling mates , or deter predator , as seen in species like the Cabbage White , which keep apart toxins from host plant .

determine globally , they dwell grasslands , timberland , urban gardens , and even alpine regions , involve nectar - rich flora for adults and specific host plant life for larvae . As pollinators , they support plant reproduction , contributing to food security , while their presence indicates healthy ecosystems . However , home ground loss , pesticide use , and mood change threaten many species , making butterfly - friendly garden crucial .

1 . Cabbage White ( Pieris rapae )

Cabbage White , a Pieridae butterfly stroke , is one of the most far-flung species , found across North America , Europe , Asia , and Australia . Its 1.5–2 - inch wings are creamy whitened with dim spots in females and fewer in males , with grayish - green undersides . Larvae provender on Brassica crops like cabbage and Brassica oleracea italica , while adults sip nectar from Aster or Lantana . industrial plant brassicas 12–18 inches apart in zone 3–11 , ideal for New York or California garden . rough-cut in fields and urban area , their rapid , fluttering trajectory create them easy to spot . Their adaptability and agricultural impact make them a illustrious metal money , though gardeners may need to protect crop .

2 . little White ( Pieris rapae japonica )

Small White , a race of Cabbage White , is prevalent in Asia , particularly Japan , with a 1.3–1.8 - inch wingspread . Its wings are everlasting white with minimum black berth , distinguishing it from its cousin . Larvae feed on Brassica or Nasturtium , while adults favor Zinnia or Pentas ambrosia . Plant nasturtium 12–18 inches apart in zones 4–11 , suited for Oregon gardens . rule in gardens and ploughland , their soft flight adds appealingness , though they ’re consider pests in agricultural options . Their global spread play up their resilience .

3 . Great Southern White ( Ascia monuste )

Great Southern White , a Pieridae butterfly , expand in the southern US , Central America , and the Caribbean , with a 2–3 - inch wingspread . Males have pure white wings , while female show grayish tips . Larvae provender on Brassica or Cleome , and grownup sip Lantana or Hibiscus ambrosia . industrial plant cleome 12–18 inches asunder in zones 9–11 , ideal for Florida or Texas garden . Common in coastal Ngaio Marsh and William Claude Dukenfield , their potent , glide flight suits warm climate . Their migratory behavior in Florida append a dynamic element to subtropical landscape .

4 . Checkered White ( Pontia protodice )

Checkered White , a North American Pieridae , has a 1.5–2.5 - inch wingspan with white wings marked by dark - gray draughts , more articulate in females . Found from Canada to Mexico , larvae feed on Brassica or Descurainia , while adults sip Aster or Echinacea nectar . works mustard greens 12–18 inches apart in zona 4–9 , suited for Colorado or Arizona garden . Their erratic flight in open playing field and prairies do them a charming passel , though populations vacillate with climate .

5 . Margined White ( Pieris marginalis )

Margined White , a Pieridae butterfly , is native to western North America , from Alaska to California , with a 1.5–2 - inch wingspread . Its white wings have faint-hearted grey-headed veins and opprobrious borderline spots . Larvae provender on Brassicaceae like Arabis , and adult sip Solidago or Syringa ambrosia . flora rock cress plant 12–18 inches apart in zone 4–8 , idealistic for Washington gardens . Found in timberland and meadows , their dense flight blends with alpine scene , offering a finespun beauty .

6 . Mustard White ( Pieris oleracea )

Mustard White , a Pieridae metal money , populate northern North America , from Canada to the Great Lakes , with a 1.5–2 - inch wingspread . Its white wings show fainthearted green - gray vein , specially in give forms . Larvae feed on Brassica or Dentaria , and adult sip Cardamine or Viola ambrosia . industrial plant toothwort 12–18 inches aside in zona 3–8 , suit for Minnesota garden . Their timber trajectory is subtle , but their green - tinted wings lend intrigue to shaded landscapes .

7 . Florida White ( Appias drusilla )

Florida White , a Pieridae butterfly stroke , is recover in southern Florida , Central America , and the Caribbean , with a 2–3 - inch wingspread . Its wings are snow-covered white with lightheaded grey-headed point in females . Larvae provender on Capparis ( caper ) , and grownup sip Buddleia or Lantana ambrosia . Plant caper bushes 10–15 foot apart in zones 10–11 , ideal for Miami garden . Their rapid escape in tropic timber and gardens adds a pristine elegance , though they ’re sensitive to habitat release .

8 . Common Jezebel ( Delias eucharis )

Common Jezebel , a Pieridae butterfly from South Asia and Australia , has a 2.5–3 - inch wingspan . Its dorsal wing are clean with fateful veins , while ventral wings show scandalmongering and red-faced spots . Larvae feed on Loranthaceae ( mistletoe ) , and adults sip Ixora or Hibiscus nectar . Plant Old World mistletoe 10–15 feet asunder in zones 10–11 , suited for tropical showing . Their striking flying in gardens and forest makes them a vibrant addition , though they ask humid condition .

9 . White Morpho ( Morpho polyphemus )

White Morpho , a Nymphalidae butterfly from Central and South America , has a 3–4 - inch wingspread with shimmering white wings and fainthearted grey eyespots . Found in rain forest , larvae provender on Fabaceae like Inga , and adults sip rot fruit or Lantana ambrosia . plant life inga corner 15–20 feet apart in zona 10–11 , ideal for South Florida conservatory . Their gliding flight and iridescent wing dazzle in butterfly stroke mansion , though untamed sighting are uncommon .

10 . White Admiral ( Limenitis arthemis )

White Admiral , a Nymphalidae butterfly from North America , has a 2–3 - column inch wingspan . Its wings are black with a broad white band , though some forms are darker . Larvae feed on Salix ( willow tree ) or Populus ( poplar ) , and grownup sip Asclepias nectar . works willows 15–20 feet aside in zone 3–8 , fit for Ontario or Maine gardens . Their swift escape in timber adds a dramatic contrast , blending elegance with boldness .

11 . Pale Jezebel ( Delias sanaca )

Pale Jezebel , a Pieridae butterfly from Southeast Asia , has a 2–2.5 - in wingspan with creamy white wings and light black vein , plus chicken undersides . Larvae provender on Loranthaceae , and adult sip Zinnia nectar . plant life Viscum album 10–15 feet apart in geographical zone 10–11 , ideal for tropical exhibits . Their finespun escape in woodland and garden extend a soft beauty , thriving in humid , gay conditions .

12 . Psyche Butterfly ( Leptosia nina )

brain Butterfly , a Pieridae species from South Asia and Australia , has a 1–1.5 - column inch wingspan with delicate lily-white fender and faint black blot . Larvae provender on Capparis or Crataeva , and adult sip Lantana ambrosia . Plant caper bush 10–15 feet asunder in zones 10–11 , become for coastal California . Their slow , fluttering flying in grasslands and gardens evokes fragility , making them a charming tropical addition .

13 . Albatross Butterfly ( Appias Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus )

Albatross Butterfly , a Pieridae specie from Southeast Asia , has a 2–2.5 - inch wingspan with bloodless wing and black vein , plus orange undersides in male . Larvae provender on Capparis , and adults sip Ixora ambrosia . Plant caper bush 10–15 feet apart in geographical zone 10–11 , ideal for Miami gardens . Their rapid escape in forests and urban arena bring a dynamic , pristine touch to tropic landscapes .

14 . Large White ( Pieris brassicae )

heavy White , a Pieridae butterfly from Europe , Africa , and Asia , has a 2–2.5 - inch wingspan with white wings and bluff black spots in females . Larvae feed on Brassica or Sinapis , and adult sip Buddleia nectar . Plant mustard 12–18 inches apart in zone 4–9 , suited for UK or Oregon gardens . Common in farmlands , their unassailable flight of stairs can make them crop pests , but their beauty shine in garden .

15 . Common Albatross ( Appias albina )

Common Albatross , a Pieridae butterfly stroke from Southeast Asia and Australia , has a 2–3 - in wingspread with white wings and gray-haired - black veins . Larvae feed on Capparis , and adults sip Hibiscus ambrosia . Plant capriole bush 10–15 infantry apart in geographical zone 10–11 , suited for tropic exhibits . Their swift flight in forest and garden adds a clean , graceful aesthetic , thriving in humid climate .

16 . Snowy Angle ( Darpa hanria )

Snowy Angle , a Pieridae butterfly from Southeast Asia , has a 1.5–2 - in wingspread with translucent lily-white wing and faint black veins . Larvae feed on Capparis , and adult sip Lantana ambrosia . Plant caper bushes 10–15 metrical unit apart in geographical zone 10–11 , idealistic for South Florida . Their delicate , impractical flight in rainforests makes them a pernicious , ethereal addition to tropic gardens .

17 . White Orange Tip ( Ixias marianne )

White Orange Tip , a Pieridae butterfly from South Asia , has a 1.5–2 - inch wingspread with white wings and orangish confidential information in male , plus dim post in females . Larvae provender on Capparis , and adults sip Zinnia nectar . Plant gambol bushes 10–15 feet apart in zones 10–11 , suited for tropical exhibits . Their fluttering escape in grassland add a soft spell , enhanced by their vivacious tip .

18 . Indian Cabbage White ( Pieris canidia )

Indian Cabbage White , a Pieridae butterfly from Asia , has a 1.5–2 - column inch wingspan with white wing and pitch-black spots , similar to Pieris rapae . Larvae feed on Brassica , and adults sip Aster nectar . Plant brassicas 12–18 inches apart in zone 4–11 , suited for Indian or California gardens . Their rapid escape in fields and urban areas make them a resilient , widespread mintage .

19 . Becker ’s White ( Pontia beckerii )

Becker ’s White , a North American Pieridae , has a 1.5–2 - inch wingspan with white wings and gray - light-green marbling . receive in the western US , larvae provender on Brassicaceae , and grownup sip Echinacea ambrosia . flora mustard green 12–18 inch apart in zones 5–9 , suited for Nevada gardens . Their mercurial flight in deserts and prairie adds a insidious ravisher to desiccated landscape .

20 . Western White ( Pontia occidentalis )

Western White , a Pieridae butterfly stroke from western North America , has a 1.5–2 - inch wingspan with white wings and faint grey-haired vein . Larvae feed on Brassicaceae , and adult sip Solidago nectar . Plant rock cress plant 12–18 inches asunder in zones 4–8 , suited for Montana gardens . Their swift trajectory in good deal and meadow blends with alpine scenery , offering a crisp elegance .

21 . Himalayan Blackvein ( Aporia agathon )

Himalayan Blackvein , a Pieridae butterfly from the Himalayas , has a 2–3 - column inch wingspan with white wings and sheer black vein . Larvae provender on Berberis , and adult sip Rhododendron ambrosia . flora barberry 10–15 feet apart in zones 6–9 , suited for high - altitude exhibits . Their slow flying in alpine meadows make them a rare , striking sight , though home ground loss threaten their survival of the fittest .

22 . White Peacock ( Anartia jatrophae )

White Peacock , a Nymphalidae butterfly stroke from the southern US to South America , has a 2–3 - inch wingspread with white wing and brown - Orange River markings . Larvae provender on Ruellia or Bacopa , and adult sip Lantana nectar . industrial plant water Hyssopus officinalis 12–18 inches apart in zones 9–11 , suit for Texas gardens . Their rapid trajectory in wetlands and gardens tot up a delicate , patterned peach .

23 . Mimosa Yellow ( Eurema nicippe ) – White Morph

Mimosa Yellow , a Pieridae butterfly from North America , has a 1.5–2 - column inch wingspread , with uncommon livid morphs alongside its typical yellowness . Larvae feed on Fabaceae like Acacia , and grownup sip Bidens nectar . Plant acacia 10–15 animal foot apart in zones 7–11 , suit for Arizona gardens . Their fluttering trajectory in fields and roadsides makes the snowy form a rare , ethereal find .

24 . Little Yellow ( Pyrisitia lisa ) – White Morph

Little Yellow , a Pieridae butterfly from North America , has a 1–1.5 - inch wingspread , with occasional white morphs instead of its common yellow . Larvae feed on Cassia , and grownup sip Aster nectar . Plant cassia 12–18 inch apart in zones 7–11 , suited for Florida gardens . Their rapid , depressed flight in fields and garden makes the white morph a delicate , unexpected hoarded wealth .

Attracting White Butterflies: Essential Tips

To attract white butterflies , works host and nectar plants suited to your USDA zona ( 3–11 ) . Use Brassica , Capparis , Berberis , or Fabaceae for larvae , space 10–20 invertebrate foot apart based on plant life size of it , and Lantana , Zinnia , Buddleia , or Aster for nectar , spacing 12–18 inches asunder . assure full sun ( 6 + hours day by day ) and well - drain soil ( pH 6–7 ) . obviate celluloid pesticide , using neem oil or companion planting with marigolds to dissuade pest like aphid . furnish shallow H2O saucer with pebbles for mineral sipping and savourless rocks for enjoy .

In cooler geographical zone ( 3–8 ) , use course screening or greenhouses to extend the season ; in zones 9–11 , maintain humidity for tropical metal money like Florida White . Deadhead nectar plants to sustain blush , and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot . Check local regulations for exotic legion plants to avoid invasiveness , and source from native nurseries to ensure ecologic compatibility .

Design Ideas for Butterfly Gardens

White butterflies add calm elegance to garden designs . Plant Cabbage White or Large White in vegetable bed with Brassica and Zinnia , mate with low - growing herbs like dill weed for larval protection . produce a tropical haven with outstanding Southern White or White Morpho using Cleome and Lantana , accented by ferns for shade .

plan a meadow with Checkered White and Brassicaceae , underplanted with Echinacea for a cushy , white - royal palette . Use White Peacock in wetland garden with Ruellia and Buddleia , complement by grasses like Panicum . For small space , grow Aster and Pentas in container for Psyche Butterfly , pair with gnome shrubs . These layout appeal butterflies , support pollinators like bees , and boost biodiversity , but avoid plant in heavy tint or near invasive species to ensure goodish ecosystems .

Ecological and Cultural Significance

blank butterflies are vital pollinators , aiding craw like fruits , veg , and ornamental , and their front signals racy ecosystems . With just about 17,500 butterfly stroke species globally ( 750 in North America ) , white specie present threats from deforestation , pesticide use , and mood alteration , particularly uncommon ones like Himalayan Blackvein .

Culturally , white butterflies symbolize sinlessness , someone , and rehabilitation in custom from European folklore to Asian mythology , often featured in art , weddings , and spiritual rituals . Their white offstage , enhanced by wakeful - scattering anatomical structure , exhort scientific enquiry and preservation efforts , such as those by the Xerces Society and Butterfly Conservation . However , their wan color make them target for predators , and overhandling risks wing damage , so observe with binoculars or cameras for minimal disturbance .

Challenges and Conservation

White butterflies face substantial challenges , including habitat loss , urban sprawl , and pesticide exposure , which scale down population of metal money like Florida White in tropic regions . Climate change disrupts bringing up cycles , while parasites and predator peril larvae . Adopt constitutive gardening practices , avoiding chemical pesticides and using neem oil or companion planting to grapple pestilence . Support conservation initiatives like the North American Butterfly Association or local bema , such as California ’s Monarch Grove .

Source legion and ambrosia plants from reputable supplier like Prairie Moon Nursery , Native Plant Finder , or Annie ’s Annuals to ensure disease - costless , native stock certificate . Avoid planting in hoarfrost - prostrate areas without season extenders like cloches , and participate in citizen science via platform like iNaturalist to track butterfly stroke populations . Conservation efforts , such as habitat return for Checkered White in the Great Plains , bid hope for sustaining these finespun pollinator