Sulphur Orange Tip
Common NameSulphur Orange Tip
Scientific NameAnthocharis sara
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsyellow, orange, black
HabitatMeadows, open woodlands, chaparral, riparian areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America
Host Plantsmustard family plants, Arabis, Cardamine
Flight PeriodMarch to July
Flight Stylefluttering
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, and pupae overwinter.
Identification TipsKey visual features for field identification include the bright yellow wings with a distinct orange patch and dark tip on the forewings. The mottled greenish underside of the hindwing, though not visible in this image, is also characteristic.
Description
This medium-sized butterfly has bright yellow wings, with the forewings featuring a prominent orange patch near the apex, bordered by a dark brown or black tip. The hindwings are uniformly yellow.
