The Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae), sometimes referred to as the Small Cabbage White, or Small White butterfly, is a species native to Europe and North Africa. True to its name, the Cabbage White was introduced to North America (near Quebec City) by settlers who brought cabbages over in 1860. This event happened again in New York just eight years later. Within 20 years the Cabbage White had spread throughout the United States and, 160 years later, has a well-established population throughout North America.
Ranging from central Canada south throughout the United States, and in parts of Mexico, the Cabbage White has spread from the original introduction spots by utilizing open areas. Weedy or grassy fields, roadsides, and of course, our backyards, are all effective habitats for the Cabbage White, provided food is available.
Female Cabbage White – Chaffee Monell
Adult Cabbage Whites consume nectar from flowers, but will typically seek out plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae) to lay their eggs. This makes sense of course, as cabbages are in this family as well, and are the main food source for the caterpillars. The eggs will hatch within a few days, and the caterpillars will spend the next couple of weeks eating and developing. At roughly 14 days old, caterpillars enter the pupa stage where they will undergo a transformation in just eight days. When they hatch they will be in their final stage of life: For three weeks they will live as butterflies, with their main purpose being reproduction. This whole cycle takes as little as 30-60 days, which means these butterflies can have two to three cycles in one summer.
Cabbage White egg – Chaffee Monell
Cabbage White larva – Chaffee Monell
Cabbage White pupa – Chaffee Monell
Cabbage White Butterfly (male) – Unknown
Despite being a non-native species, Cabbage Whites contribute to the food web. Many predators might be deterred due to the mustard-tasting oil the caterpillars produce, but to many the Cabbage White has become an important food source. Parasitic wasps, House Sparrows, Goldfinches, and other insectivore birds will all consume these bugs.
Cabbage White on screen – Chaffee Monell
What can you do for Cabbage Whites? Since most interactions with Cabbage Whites in the garden result in crop loss, let’s talk about a few different ways to manage your backyard populations and safely protect your crops.
Don’t use pesticides or insecticides – a very real threat to birds and other organisms, toxic sprays will hurt more than just the caterpillars. Not to mention they may hurt you if you consume them.
Insect netting is a great way to start. Have this netting on early in the growing year to deter any butterflies moving in.
Regularly check the undersides of leaves (even if you use netting). It may be laborious to pick off the eggs, but it is effective and is a better option than losing your plants to this species.
Attract birds. Having feeders or nesting boxes available will draw birds in to your property. Many species, such as the ones mentioned above, will supplement their seed diet with the protein of these caterpillars and adult butterflies. Note: insect netting and birds don’t always go well together. Do research to determine the best method or methods for you.
Plant distraction plants – have a separate small garden which you don’t cover with a net. Allow the butterflies to lay eggs here, rather than in your crops. This is recommended if you already have Cabbage Whites aplenty. You don’t want to attract more if you don’t have them, but you certainly can draw them away from your garden in this way. If you choose, you can continue removing eggs and caterpillars from these plants to help manage the population.
Learning Tools from Mass Audubon
Discover more facts about Cabbage Whites using the Butterfly Atlas.
Read some facts about butterflies in Massachusetts.
Cabbage White Butterfly art with paint pens – Hadley, age 8
What’s Next
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Snakes, like all reptiles, are ectotherms, or cold-blooded, which means they use their environment to regulate their body temperature. Snakes will lay out in the sun to warm up, or slip underground to cool off. For species that hibernate, social grouping may be a necessity in order to survive. This aside, their key characteristics create an impressive animal profile: no external limbs or ears, an extremely flexible jaw that can be moved and detached from the skull in order to swallow prey whole, and enhanced chemosensation from their forked tongues. Chemosensation is the sensory function that allows snakes to sense or “taste” chemicals in the air that may otherwise undetectable for other animals. A snake will use its tongue to collect chemicals in the air, and when the tongue is brought back into the mouth, the snake inserts the forked tips into an organ called the Jacobson’s Organ on the roof of its mouth. This specialized organ helps to detect chemicals in the air, such as pheromones from other snakes, or their next meal.
Garter snakes have all these characteristics and utilize them perfectly… in your backyard. Luckily the vast majority of snakes in Massachusetts are non-venomous. As a matter of fact, snakes seeking shelter under stairs, debris, bushes, log piles, and other safe spots in your backyard are signs of a healthy ecosystem. If you find a snake, it’s best to leave it alone to go about its day, and if they stick around they may manage the pests in your yard.
Garter Snake on log – David Larson
Garter snakes are a group of 30 different species and subspecies that are native to different regions throughout the United States and southern Canada. Here in Massachusetts we’ve named the Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) the state reptile, and subspecies, Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) is also commonly found throughout the state.
Garter Snake with checkered pattern – Joy Marzolf
Connecticut Garter Snake – Joy Marzolf
Color variation of Garter Snake – Joy Marzolf
Garter snakes are relatively small, slender snakes that hunt earthworms, amphibians, and fish, but will also take insects, leeches, and small mammals when opportunity allows. An important part of the food web, garter snakes are a natural food source for crows, magpies, hawks, owls, foxes, bears, raccoons, and even skunks. Due to their small size, garter snakes rely on a foul-smelling musk they produce, sharp teeth, and camouflage, to protect them. Because garter snakes can bite when provoked, it’s best to observe and not touch.
Garter Snake in grass – Shelby Vance
Though they are predominantly terrestrial, garter snakes may occasionally be seen climbing on shrubs or swimming in small bodies of water. Garter snakes in Massachusetts grow on average 18-26 inches, but will occasionally reach lengths of up to 4 feet. Snakes never stop growing and in order to accommodate that growth, they shed their skin. Young snakes will shed a few times a year while they grow quickly, and mature snakes will shed less often.
Garter Snake in vegetation – Dave Larson
Cold-climate garter snakes, such as those living in Massachusetts, must hibernate to survive the cold winters. Hibernating in numbers offers a greater chance of success, hence these snakes have communal dens where they come together to co-hibernate. Dozens to hundreds of garter snakes (and often other species as well) will travel great distances to come together during this time, and will often emerge in the spring all together in a group. The largest communal hibernation den found was in Canada and held an incredible 8,000 garter snakes.
Garter Snake with cloudy eyes before shedding – Joy Marzolf
In Massachusetts, hibernation also marks the time of mating. As snakes travel to their communal dens, they take advantage of the dense congregation and mate either in the autumn, before hibernation begins, or in the spring when snakes reemerge again. Female snakes, often larger than the males, will release pheromones when they are ready to mate. In warmer areas where these snakes don’t hibernate, males rely on their chemosensation to detect pheromones to help them locate the female. Dozens of males will seek out one female and mate with her, creating a mating ball. Garter snakes are ovivarporous meaning females give birth to live young; on average she will produce 20-40 young snakes, but reports range anywhere from 5 to 101. After giving birth, the young snakes immediately begin their life independently with no parental care.
Garter Snake in leaf litter – Lisa Hutchings
What can you do for garter snakes?
Try not to disturb the snake while observing its behavior. Watch and see where they go, can you figure out what resource they are going to?
Provide shelter for snakes. If you want snakes around, and you’re up for a project, building safe spots for them is fun and rewarding. Log or slate piles, rock walls, dense vegetation, large logs, and other “debris” are all good options for hiding from hawks!
During droughts and hot weather, supply water for snakes in your yard.
Hold off on mowing. Snakes will hunt their prey in long grass, and seek protection there from their natural predators.
If you find a snake in a truly inconvenient place, try stomping on the ground. Snakes are deaf, but the vibrations caused by your feet will often drive them away.
Herpetophobia, the fear of reptiles and Ophidiophobia, the fear of snakes are common fears in society. Snakes can produce anxiety for some people which may lead to rash actions. It’s not uncommon to be afraid of snakes, but can you challenge yourself to simply observe one the next time you have an encounter? Maybe we can learn some empathy for these incredible animals, which are truly benign and ecologically important.
Learning Tools from Mass Audubon
Learn about the different snakes species in Massachusetts.
What would you like to learn about from your backyard? Let us know in the comments.
Stay tuned for the next Critter Card coming out on Monday, by email and Facebook.
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There’s no getting around it: Poison Ivy season is here to stay. As its leaves come out this spring, utilize our Critter Card to help you identify Poison Ivy so you can react to it appropriately and prevent it from hurting you. While Poison Ivy isn’t anyone’s favorite plant, it is a common one that you should feel confident identifying. Being able to do so will help lower your risk of a negative encounter.
Identification
There are two species of Poison Ivy native to the eastern United States: Eastern Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) which climbs like a vine, and Western Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii) which grows like a bush. Because they are able to cross breed, there is a variety of structures among individual plants: they may take form as a bush, a vine, or anything in between. Vines often overtake trees, killing them and providing foliage when they no longer can.
Poison Ivy vines climbing on a tree – Chaffee Monell
Poison Ivy bush – Chaffee Monell
Despite the varying growth patterns, there are common characteristics that will give this plant away. You will always see one leaf made up of three leaflets, all connecting to a reddish colored stem. The middle leaflet will have a longer stem than the ones on the sides. Leaflets may appear shiny with soft edges, and some or all of them may have a glove-like shape. Vines will appear hairy with roots sprouting all along them.
Note the three leaflets that make up each leaf – Chaffee Monell
This “hairy” vine is actually made up of Poison Ivy roots -Lisa Hutchins
How it Works and What to Do
Poison Ivy is not technically a poisonous plant. But it contains a sticky oil called urushiol, which is very potent: one quarter of an ounce could produce a rash on every person on the earth. The oil adheres very quickly to anything touching it, including skin, and can be long-lasting if not promptly washed off. If you come in contact with the oil, your rash may not show up for a few days, but it will last roughly two weeks.
Urushiol exposure causes urushiol-induced contact dermatitis, where skin becomes itchy and develops blisters. The dermatitis is the body’s way of fighting off the irritating oil. This allergic reaction primes the body to defend itself, and that means that subsequent exposures you may have will result in more vigorous and efficient reactions; in other words, each time you get a rash, it is likely to be worse than the last.
If you’ve been in contact with Poison Ivy, you will first want to flush your skin with cold water for a couple of minutes. This will help to remove and dilute any oil that’s stayed on your skin. After flushing, wash the area with soap (dish detergent is great at cutting the oils) and water. Other options include using products such as Tecnu, which is made to wash the oils off our skin and clothes.
Dealing with a reaction? Don’t cover it with a bandage! Do let the infected area breath and dry out. Use anti-itch lotions such as calamine lotion to keep the itchy feeling at bay. Running hot water over your skin can also alleviate the itching sensation for some time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Poison Ivy active all year long? Yes! In the late autumn and throughout the winter, when the leaves have fallen off, the stems, roots, and vines will all still contain urushiol.
Can my dog or cat give me Poison Ivy? The short answer: yes. Dogs, cats, and other pets that come in contact with Poison Ivy can carry the oil on their fur, so when you touch Spot you can get it from her. Simply wash your pet with pet-safe shampoo, or use baby wipes to clean off their fur if you know they’ve touched Poison Ivy. Most animals with fur won’t get a reaction to the urushiol, but bare spots such as noses, bellies, and ears can be susceptible to irritation.
Is Poison Ivy Dangerous? Usually a reaction to Poison Ivy isn’t dangerous, but it can be obnoxious or uncomfortable. In extreme cases, people can experience a full body rash, rash around the eyes, extreme blisters, or other reactions consistent with anaphylaxis. Severe reactions should be referred to your doctor or emergency services.
Does scratching spread a Poison Ivy rash? Once the oil has been washed off the skin, contact with the rash, including scratching, does not cause the itch-inducing oils to spread. However, scratching could lead to a secondary infection that’s equally unpleasant, so it’s best to resist the temptation. Additionally, Poison Ivy oil can get under your fingernails, which you will then spread to other parts of your body if you scratch them. Don’t forget to scrub under your nails!
Does Poison Ivy stay on my clothes? Yes! And it can be spread to your skin from your clothes, even many months after exposure. If you’ve been in contact with Poison Ivy, promptly wash your clothes in hot water with detergent. You may have to wash your clothes more than once or add Tecnu to your wash.
Can I be immune to Poison Ivy? Yes you can. Many people have an immunity to the oils from Poison Ivy. That doesn’t mean that you should touch it whenever you like! Most people who have had immunity will become allergic after many encounters with the oil, or after an especially involved exposure to it. Best to steer clear regardless.
Dealing with Poison Ivy on your Property
TThe best way to remove Poison Ivy is head on. Completely cover yourself up in clothing, including long sleeves, pants, gloves, and even a hat if you’re dealing with vines. Dig the plant up, getting as much of the root as you can. Bag it up in a garbage bag and then put it out with the trash. Getting as much of the root as possible is essential to ensure the plant doesn’t re-sprout. To do this, dig at least six inches into the ground when removing roots.
Another great option is to rent goats! Some goat farmers will loan out goats to clear vegetation. Goats and beef cattle are great at processing difficult plants and weeds and will readily eat Poison Ivy when it’s available.
Lastly, manage the plant. If you enjoy the color and look of Poison Ivy, or want to keep it around for birds and herbivores who aren’t affected by the oils, consider keeping the population in check. But, Poison Ivy is a productive and successful plant, and letting it grow will allow it to overtake trees and plots of land on the forest edge. If you decide to keep it around, it’s best to manage it – carefully – by removing new seedlings and cutting down plants before they become too large.
The two most important things are not to use herbicides or fire! Herbicides can kill surrounding plants and animals. Fire may kill the plant, but the urushiol can remain in the smoke and air during burning and can cause very unpleasant irritation to your eyes, throat, respiratory system, and skin.
It’s not all Scary!
Poison Ivy isn’t a bad plant! It has natural beauty, it’s native to the eastern United States, and it plays an important role in the ecosystem, acting as a natural food source for many wild animals. A variety of birds are drawn to its berries, especially in the winter when food is scarce. Pollinators buzz to its flowers, and deer, along with other herbivores, eat its leaves and woody stems.
Ripe Poison Ivy berries – Chaffee Monell
In the autumn, leaf peepers, homeowners, and others venturing outside can enjoy the bright colors of Poison Ivy. The leaves turn red, orange, or yellow, and the berries will ripen from pale green to white.
Did you know? Poison Ivy is related to mangoes! Whether this helps your appreciation for Poison Ivy, or ends your love for mangoes, it’s a fun fact. Both plants produce urushiol, which is why humans can have reactions to mango skin.
A special shout out to Joppa Flats Teacher Naturalist, Phil Smith, for the great suggestion of covering Poison Ivy in our Critter Cards.
Watch this kid-friendly video about Poison Ivy precautions on Botony for Kids.
Watch this video about how to treat and avoid Poison Ivy for adults from the Mayo Clinic.
Read these six facts about Poison Ivy that you may not have known.
Increase your knowledge with this list of fascinating facts about Poison Ivy.
Submissions
“I make a tea with Sweet Fern. It’s only good for external use, but works very well! Keep it in the fridge so it’s nice and cool when you put it on the rash. Works for Poison Ivy and bug bites” – Facebook User
Poison Ivy reminders and art – Hadley, age 8
“I think Poison Ivy is very pretty when the small bronze-leaved plants just emerge, forming a little forest with the Star Flower and other small early wild flowers and leaves. Photo attached. I once had a couple of sheep who liked to eat Poison Ivy!” – Heather Miller
“When I started at the banding station back in September 2002, I cam armed with some advice from a friend. Wash with dish soap since it’s formulated to remove grease and oil. The oil will be gone, and you’ll be smelling lemony fresh!” – Ben Flemer, Joppa Flats Bird Banding Manager
What’s Next?
What would you like to learn about from your backyard? Let us know in the comments.
Stay tuned for the next Critter Card coming out on Monday, by email and Facebook.
Connect With Us
Would you like to be added to Lisa Hutchings’ VIP email list? Receive special resources such as nature slideshows and educational tools for at-home learning. Send an email to [email protected] requesting to be added to the VIP list.
