Cabbage White Butterfly: A Persistent Pest in Gardens Worldwide
Gardeners worldwide are familiar with the cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae, a common yet troublesome pest. This off-white butterfly, easily recognised by its single or double black spots, is active from early spring to fall, laying eggs on cabbage family plants. Its larvae, known as imported cabbageworms, cause significant damage to crops like broccoli and kale.
The cabbage white butterfly undergoes complete metamorphosis, passing through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Multiple generations can occur each summer, especially in temperate zones. To manage these pests, physical methods like handpicking, row covers, crop rotation, and introducing natural predators are effective. Biological sprays such as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) target larvae while sparing beneficial insects.
In addition to Europe, the black-headed gull (Raubmöwe), known for its white appearance, has extended its distribution beyond Europe into Africa, typically south of the Sahara. It has been observed expanding around the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coasts, with breeding colonies on the Elbe River in Germany and at the Black Sea.
The cabbage white butterfly's impact on crops necessitates vigilant control measures. Meanwhile, the black-headed gull's expanding distribution highlights the dynamic nature of wildlife populations and their adaptability to changing environments.
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