|
Life
Cycle of the Wood
White
Ovum:
Single eggs are usually found on the underside of the food plant from mid-May to the
end of June.
They are spindle-shaped and initially a creamy-white colour, changing in
time to light yellow.
The eggs hatch within three weeks.
 |
|
Wood White
Ovum
©
DHardiman 2005 |
 |
|
Wood White
Ovum
on Meadow Vetchling. ©
DHardiman 2002 |
Larva:
Larvae may be found in late June and July (also between late August and
September if there is a
second brood). This larval stage can last between one and two months.
When fully grown, it is almost cylindrical in shape and bright green in
colour with a darker green
mediodorsal stripe and a spiracular yellow stripe.
|

|
|
©
DHardiman 2002 |
Pupa:
In August/September pupation takes place in dense vegetation when the
mature larva spins a silk pad
on the plant stem from which the pupa is suspended by its cremasteral
hooks and silken girdle.
It overwinters in this pupal
stage.
|

|
|
©
DHardiman 2002 |
Adult:
The adult emerges the following May.
|

|
|
Wood White, Moycullen, Galway,
© DHardiman 2008 |
|

|
|
Wood White, Lullymore, Kildare,
©
DHardiman 2007 |
|

|
|
Wood White, the Burren, Clare 16/05/10
©
DHardiman 2010 |
|

|
|
Wood White, the Burren, Clare,
©
DHardiman 2005 |
|