Little Orange-tip
Common NameLittle Orange-tip
Scientific NameAnthocharis sara
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorswhite, orange, green, black
HabitatMoist woodlands, stream banks, open forests, meadows
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from Alaska south to California and east to the Rocky Mountains
Host PlantsCardamine, Arabis, Brassica, mustards (Brassicaceae family)
Flight PeriodMarch to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant flower stalks; larvae feed on flowers and seed pods, then pupate, often overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of white wings with orange forewing tips (males) and the cryptic green and white marbling on the hindwing underside, especially when at rest.
Description
A small white butterfly, typically with bright orange tips on the forewings (males) and a distinctive mottled green and white pattern on the underside of the hindwings.
