Pupa ID

[kevling]

Hi,
Spotted this freshly formed Pupa today on a Knapweed. I’m thinking Small or Green Veined White but not sure. Any confirmation welcome.

Regards Kev

[Vince Massimo]

Hi Kev, I'm pretty sure that it's a Large White pupa. The main clue for me is the dark colour of the old larval skin. Both Small and Green-veined Whites have paler shed skins. Also (and it's quire difficult to see) the pupa has a small secondary dorsal hump, which is a characteristic of the Large White.

Subject pupa

Large White pupa (dark larval skin)

Green-veined White pupa (pale larval skin)

Small White pupa (pale larval skin)

If all else fails, the length of the pupa can be measured. Large Whites are approximately 25mm long, whereas Small and Green-veined Whites are only around 19mm.

Vince

[kevling]

Thanks Vince. My other photo from a different angle shows the second dorsal hump. Greatly appreciated

Regards Kev