Sara Orangetip
Common NameSara Orangetip
Scientific NameAnthocharis sara
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorswhite, orange, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, stream sides, chaparral, forest edges
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from Alaska south to Baja California, and east to the Rocky Mountains
Host PlantsArabis, Cardamine, Brassica
Flight PeriodMarch to June
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the flower stalks of host plants. Larvae feed on flowers and seed pods, then pupate and overwinter as chrysalides.
Identification TipsMales are easily identified by their bright orange forewing tips. Females have paler orange or yellowish tips and a more extensive black apex. Both sexes typically have a mottled green pattern on the underside of the hindwings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with white wings, featuring prominent bright orange tips on the forewings and black markings along the forewing apex and body.
