Black-veined White

Extinct from the UK. The Black-veined White was first listed as a British species in 1667 but this large butterfly became extinct in the British Isles around 1925 with its last remaining stronghold in the south-east of England.

It was always considered a rarity in the British Isles but on the continent, it is often very common.

The female is known to rub her wings together and loses many of her scales by doing so, resulting in an almost-transparent look when compared with the white wings of the male. The reason behind this unusual behaviour is not known.

Size and Family

• Family: Whites and Yellows
• Size: Medium / Large
• Wing Span Range (male to female): 69-76mm

Conservation Status

• Butterfly Conservation priority: Low                    
• European Status: Not threatened

Caterpillar Foodplants

Caterpillars feed on Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.).

Habitat

In the UK, early records show that the Black-veined White could be found in orchards, lanes, gardens, meadows and wherever its foodplants occurred in abundance.

Distribution

• Spain and North Africa, across Europe and temperate Asia to Japan.
• Distribution Trend Since 1970s: N/A