Southwestern Orangetip
Common NameSouthwestern Orangetip
Scientific NameAnthocharis cethura
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorswhite, orange, black
HabitatDeserts, arid scrublands, canyons, rocky hillsides
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah) and Baja California, Mexico
Host PlantsBrassica nigra, Sisymbrium irio, Descurainia sophia, Streptanthus
Flight PeriodFebruary to May
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant flower stalks. Larvae are green with a white stripe, feeding on flowers and seed pods. Pupae are slender and resemble a thorn, overwintering.
Identification TipsMales are easily identified by their bright orange forewing tips. Females have less prominent orange or yellow tips and can be distinguished from similar species by their range and the mottled green-yellow and white pattern on the hindwing underside.
Description
A small to medium-sized butterfly with white wings, featuring prominent bright orange tips on the forewings of males, bordered by black markings. The underside of the hindwings is typically mottled with green-yellow and white.
