What is the primary color description for P. rapae caterpillars?
Answer
Bluish-green with tiny black spots.
The larval stage of the Small White, P. rapae, possesses a specific morphology that aids in identification separate from the adult forms. These caterpillars are primarily described as being bluish-green in base color. This color is overlaid with several distinctive markings, including tiny black spots scattered across the body, a distinct yellow line running along the middorsal area, and lateral yellow dashes. Furthermore, they feature a black ring encircling the spiracles, distinguishing them from other related species larvae, such as the Great White caterpillar which is greyish-green and features three yellow lines.
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