Great Southern White

This species seeks out appropriate plant hosts for oviposition by detection of compounds called glucosinolates present in the family Brassicaceae. Adults appear to prefer to lay their eggs on certain areas of the plant. On kale leaves, for example, the preferred regions are the apical, medium and basal parts of the leaves. The average number of eggs laid is about 43 with as many as 245, being laid singly or in clusters. A. m. monuste has been observed feeding on the chorion soon after hatching as their first food, as well as larvae feeding on eggs. It has been suggested that this behavior provides them with extra protein. If a female oviposits on a plant already supporting conspecifics, cannibalism is more likely. Since they have a high growth rate and a non-regulated body temperature, herbivorous insects require a higher quantity of protein. It is questionable that A. monuste is strictly herbivorous as they often consume conspecific eggs. Larvae have been seen consuming whole eggs from the same clutch or others nearby on the same leaf. This behavior appears to be advantageous from an evolutionary stand point as this is an opportunistic behavior and can increase fitness. In general, the development time for eggs ranges from 4–5 days in field conditions and 3.4 days in laboratory conditions. …