Orange tip (Anthocharis cardamines)

🦋 Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines)

The Orange Tip is one of spring’s earliest and most recognizable butterflies in Europe. Males are instantly identifiable by the bright orange patches on their forewings, which stand out against the white background. This butterfly is a symbol of the changing seasons and is often seen fluttering through meadows and woodland edges in April and May.

🧬 Identification

• Wingspan: 35–45 mm
• Sexual Dimorphism: Very pronounced

♂ Male:

• White wings with bold orange tips on the forewings
• Small black dot on the forewing
• Underside of hindwings is mottled green and white, excellent camouflage

♀ Female:

• Lacks orange tips — often confused with other white butterflies (e.g., Green-veined White)
• Has the same green-marbled hindwing underside as the male

🌍 Distribution & Habitat

• Found across Europe, including the British Isles, and into temperate Asia
• Prefers:
  • Meadows
  • Woodland edges
  • Hedgerows
  • Roadside verges
  • Often found in damp or moist habitats

🌼 Life Cycle

• Flight period: April to early June (single generation per year)
• Eggs: Laid singly on flower buds of host plants
• Caterpillars:
  • Green with a faint yellow line
  • Cannibalistic — only one typically survives per plant
• Pupa: Overwinters as a chrysalis, emerges the following spring

🌱 Larval Food Plants

• Caterpillars feed on cruciferous plants, especially:
  • Cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis)
  • Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
  • Other wild mustards

🌟 Interesting Facts

• Males patrol territories constantly in search of females
• Only seen flying during sunny conditions
• The mottled green underwings are not true pigment but a mix of yellow and black scales that appear green
• A strong indicator species for healthy, wildflower-rich habitats

🛡️ Conservation

• IUCN Red List: Not globally threatened
• Population stable in many areas, but:
  • Affected by habitat loss and agricultural intensification
  • Encouraging wildflowers in gardens and meadows can support populations

🧭 Summary

The Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines) is a bright herald of spring, with its vivid orange flash and fluttering flight across Europe’s countryside. With a fascinating lifecycle and a strong preference for wild cruciferous plants, this butterfly is not only beautiful but also ecologically important as a pollinator and indicator of habitat quality.

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