Falcate Orangetip
Common NameFalcate Orangetip
Scientific NameAnthocharis midea
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, orange, black, green
HabitatDeciduous forests, forest edges, open woodlands, stream banks
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern New England south to Florida, and west to eastern Texas and Oklahoma
Host PlantsCardamine diphylla, Cardamine concatenata, Arabis laevigata
Flight PeriodMarch to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant flower stalks. Larvae are green with a white lateral stripe, feeding on flowers and seed pods. They pupate on stems or twigs, overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsMales are easily identified by the falcate (sickle-shaped) forewing and bright orange tips. Females are white with a black forewing spot. Both sexes have the characteristic green and white mottled pattern on the hindwing underside, especially visible at rest.
Description
A small white butterfly, males are distinguished by prominent orange tips on their forewings. The underside of the hindwings features a distinctive mottled green and white pattern.
