Sooty Orange Tip
Common NameSooty Orange Tip
Scientific NameAnthocharis cardamines
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorswhite, orange, black, yellow, green
HabitatMeadows, woodland edges, hedgerows, damp grasslands, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia to Japan
Host PlantsCardamine pratensis, Alliaria petiolata, Lunaria annua
Flight PeriodApril to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the flower stalks of host plants. Larvae are green and camouflaged, pupae are green or brown and overwinter.
Identification TipsMales are easily identified by the bright orange forewing tips. Females lack the orange tips but have a similar black discal spot and the mottled hindwing underside, distinguishing them from other white butterflies.
Description
A medium-sized white butterfly with distinctive orange tips on the forewings of the male, and a mottled green and white pattern on the hindwing underside.
