Orange-tip

Scientific Name - Anthocharis cardamines

Flight Period - March to July

Overwinters as - Pupa

Habitat - Gardens, parks, grasslands, woodlands etc.

Larval foodplants - Garlick Mustard, Cuckoo Flower (Lady’s Smock)

Conservation status - Low Priority

Northamptonshire distribution - Widespread

Best public sites to see them - Anywhere with suitable habitat

The Orange-tip is a common butterfly that can be seen anywhere in the county during their flight time. They are often one of the first butterflies (that don’t overwinter as an adult) to be seen each year as the adults, which overwinter in their pupal form, emerge in the spring. The male is unmistakable with its bright orange wing tips and they certainly add a touch of welcome colour to the spring hedgerows and woodland rides. The female lacks the orange and may need a closer examination to separate them from any other Whites that may be on the wing at the same time. The underwing markings of both sexes consist of an exquisitely cryptic pattern of yellow and black scales. The Orange-tip uses Garlic Mustard and Lady Smock as their larval foodplants and the eggs and larvae can be easily found, although you will have to look a lot harder for the pupae as they can travel quite far before pupating.

Orange-tip Distribution 2018 - 2022

Male Orange-tip Upperwing

Female Orange-tip Upperwing

Male Orange-tip Underwing

Orange-tip egg

Orange-tip larva

Orange-tip pupa, green form

Orange-tip pupa, brown form