Female Cabbage Whites lay yellow, cone-shaped eggs on almost any plant with mustard oils. The caterpillars grow up to three quarters of an inch and are green with yellowish black stripes. The shade of green depends on the host plant caterpillars feeding on dark green nasturtium are dark green, and caterpillars feeding on pale green cabbage are light green. When they are not feeding, the caterpillars remain motionless on the underside of a leaf, blending in perfectly with their surroundings. They may do a great job of hiding from predators, but there are other dangers that face the caterpillars.
Many young caterpillars die from getting knocked off of their host plants by rain.
After emerging from their chrysalises, adults live one to five weeks. Some fall prey to birds, though the mustard oils that they store in their bodies may provide some measure of protection from predators. Marvel at how this amazingly adaptable and adventurous little fellow has managed to conquer the elements and outwit its enemies throughout its great range. It is truly a king among butterflies.