Common Orange Tip
Common NameCommon Orange Tip
Scientific NameAnthocharis cardamines
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorswhite, orange, black
HabitatMeadows, woodland edges, hedgerows, damp grasslands
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia, North Africa
Host PlantsCuckoo Flower, Garlic Mustard, Dame's Rocket
Flight PeriodApril to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the flower stalks of host plants. Larvae are green, camouflaged on the plant. It overwinters as a pupa, which resembles a thorn or seed pod.
Identification TipsMales are easily identified by their striking orange forewing tips. Females can be distinguished from other white butterflies by the mottled green and white pattern on the underside of their hindwings and the black tips on their forewings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly, males have white wings with bright orange tips on the forewings and a black discal spot. Females are similar but lack the orange, having black tips instead. The underside of the hindwings is mottled green and white.
