Orange Tip - Anthocharis cardamines

Orange Tip

Anthocharis cardamines

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Male, Switzerland, May 2007

Female, Suffolk, UK, April 2007

Male, May 2006

Female, May 2006

Courting couple, male on left, female on right. Switzerland.

July, Switzerland

The orange tip is the spring butterfly par excellence. As the hedgerows burst into flower, so these delicate and beautiful insects begin to flit along them, occasionally resting on garlic mustard or other plants to feed. The males are unmistakeable, even at a distance, with their brilliant orange tips. The females, though superficially like other whites, are also easily distinguished if the mottled underside is seen. The upperside pattern is sufficiently different, too, for ready identification given a good view.