www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Hello

Can anyone confirm whether the butterfly is a Large or Small White and whether the plant is a Purple Loosestrife (or if not, what it is!)

Thanks in advance

Mike

Hi Mike,

Do you have a photo?

Cheers

Lee

Sorry, Lee, I forgot to attach it! Here it is ...

Thanks

Mike

Hi Mike,

Quite hard to tell from that view, but I'm going with Large, female. Anyone?

Don't know the plant I'm afraid...

Cheers

Lee

I'd prefer P. rapae instead, but I'm not quite sure either.

Hi Mike,

The flower looks like Purple Loosestrife to me.
Have a look at the apex of the upperside of the butterfly's forewing. The grey smudge is characteristic of Small White. In the Large White it is darker and extends along the outer margin of the wing (ie downwards).

You can compare the two near the bottom of this page: http://ukbutterflies.co.uk/species.php? ... ll%20White

Alexander

Mike,

I agree with Alexander that this is a Small White. Also, judging by the amount of black on the forewing I would suggest that it is a male. It can be very confusing at this time of year because there are some very sizable Small Whites around and they look like Large Whites in flight.

Cheers,

Vince

Thanks, everyone, for your advice and assistance. I'm learning all the time!

Mike