Just some photos of Pieris brassicae (Large cabbage white) caterpillars feeding on nastursium leaves!
![IMG_20170823_163533233[1].jpg](https://images.ecency.com/p/7258xSVeJbKnFEnBwjKLhL15SoynbgJKpQxRd1uorKmtf1QQcH7hwURBfmS7ydXYWvK8GXL9iGvxLcjL5gGLHxJnSreYWAicBfxmA1LYnfGDTcR1VwmF1U5nYXjXiUtvQ8zxEZiyhEaTQ?format=match&mode=fit)
Although it is most famous for feeding on cabbages and other Brassicas, nastursiums are an alternative larval food plant for Pieris brassicae. Growing a few nastursiums in the borders and leaving them to the caterpillars ensures that the species remains a common sight in our towns and cities.
![IMG_20170823_163925599[1].jpg](https://images.ecency.com/p/7258xSVeJbKnFEnBwjKLhL15SoynbgJKpQxRd1uosiEFHb321Y8xx6x83UH2jyPTkaNXsJM4AUPeF3Sj2UJxGcDA7Gse5Y9eGXwqjXbqe9i3Pi2m1azEx57UsNFYZnvJyZsmnWXLg3jDg?format=match&mode=fit)
As the caterpillars eat they leave behind little balls of 'frass' (caterpillar poo!)
![IMG_20170823_163458546[1].jpg](https://images.ecency.com/p/7258xSVeJbKnFEnBwjKLhL15SoynbgJKpQxRd1uovcW1oSz4c954EugM7KFyAcbmDvQhwnKEAHu5zQBaYRfFhNj9Um4C3WVv2YZWXL55oEXp7Xav53k1TgkAv6rjg5qT6Ldn87xtUmd66?format=match&mode=fit)
And completely strip the nastursium leaves, leaving behind these skeletons.
![IMG_20170823_163943262[1].jpg](https://images.ecency.com/p/7258xSVeJbKnFEnBwjKLhL15SoynbgJKpQxRd1uoqBmTqeQuCVCsT1aRJxSVCSbVgZHYcDKozBWfEWTUz7JfkaKvNzeNEFdvNZvwQQSBryWcHA27pUhFWcgeiSwSst7dRG6dxeDDrMBHp?format=match&mode=fit)
As autumn draws closer, these guys will crawl away to find somewhere safe to pupate over the winter.
![IMG_20170823_164001232[1].jpg](https://images.ecency.com/p/7258xSVeJbKnFEnBwjKLhL15SoynbgJKpQxRd1uot5CzdboCPtvTLtT3FjDyQWLaD5vgok4sdw98uB76pzukP4sN7GPkTsXDNXDQTxeKUnt8e2dChsKb3BsgpLU3mGrvD1sdiPKB7oojU?format=match&mode=fit)
I'll make sure there are plenty of nasursiums out there for the next generation to chow down upon!