National Status

Common and widespread throughout the UK, range stable. Population trend 10 years +72%; since 1976 -7%.

West Midlands Status

Recorded in almost all 10-km squares. Range stable including upland areas. Population trend 10 years – increasing.

Habitat

Prefers damp sheltered areas but also frequents meadows, hedgerows, gardens, rides and riversides.

Flight Period

Double brooded with an occasional third brood in a warm summer.  The spring brood is much fewer in number than the summer brood which emerges in July. Most adults have gone by end of September but the

Hotspots

Almost anywhere the foodplants are present.

Caterpillar Food Plant

The main foodplants are Charlock (Sinapis arvensis), Cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Hedge Mustard (Sisymbrium officinale), Large Bitter-cress (Cardamine amara), Water-cress (Rorippa nasturtium- aquaticum)