Black-Veined White Butterfly | Aporia crataegi PUPAE

Aporia crataegi, commonly known as the Black-veined White, is a butterfly belonging to the family Pieridae. It is distributed across Europe, North Africa, and temperate parts of Asia, favoring meadows, orchards, and open woodland areas. This species is particularly notable for its delicate, translucent white wings outlined with bold black veins, creating a striking visual contrast.

The Black-veined White primarily feeds on nectar from flowering plants, playing an essential role as a pollinator in its ecosystems. Its larvae feed on various fruit-bearing trees, such as hawthorn (Crataegus), apple (Malus), and pear (Pyrus), making it both ecologically significant and occasionally a minor agricultural pest.

The life cycle of Aporia crataegi involves complete metamorphosis. Females lay clusters of eggs on the underside of host plant leaves. The caterpillars, which are covered in fine hairs for protection, overwinter in silken nests before pupating in the spring. Adults emerge in early summer, with a single brood each year.

Although once widespread and abundant, populations of Aporia crataegi have declined in parts of its range due to habitat loss and agricultural practices - in the UK it disappeared completely in the 20th century, although reintroduction efforts appear to have had some success in recent years. Its beauty and ecological importance highlight the need for conservation efforts to preserve its natural habitats.

Host plants: Hawthorn and Blackthorn

Difficulty: Easy (1/10) in all stages.

Temperature: Room temp.

Lifecycle: Two broods per year; second overwinter as caterpillars