Orange Tip
Common NameOrange Tip
Scientific NameAnthocharis cardamines
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorswhite, orange, green
HabitatMeadows, woodlands, hedgerows, gardens, riverbanks
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia
Host PlantsCuckoo flower, Garlic Mustard, Dame's Rocket
Flight PeriodApril to June
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesSingle-brooded, eggs are laid on the flower stalks of host plants, larvae feed on developing seed pods, and pupae overwinter, often camouflaged as thorns or twigs.
Identification TipsMales are unmistakable due to their bright orange forewing tips. Females can be identified by the mottled green and white pattern on the underside of their hindwings, which distinguishes them from other white butterflies.
Description
Males have white wings with distinctive bright orange tips on the forewings, while females are similar but lack the orange, having black wingtips instead. The underside of the hindwings in both sexes features a mottled green and white pattern.
