Orange-tip Butterfly

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Orange-tip Butterfy - Anthocharis cardamines.jpg
Scientific Name: 
Anthocharis cardamines
Wingspan: 
48 mm
Description: 

Generally white with a bright orange wingtip, the male of this species is easily recognised. The female has dusky grey wingtips, by comparison. They both have dark spots to the mid fore of the upper wing and moss green mottled patterning against a white background on the underwing. Coloured peach, the caterpillar has dark hairs and is long and slim; the colour of the caterpillar changes to green, as it matures.

Distribution: 

Throughout most of England, Wales and Ireland, with somewhat less evidence in Scotland.

Habitat: 

A wide range of damp grassy habitats is used, including meadows, grassy areas in woodland, road verges and waterside habitats such as ditches and the banks of rivers and canals. Northern and western populations seem to be associated mainly with wetter habitats and Cuckooflower is the usual foodplant, perhaps because Garlic Mustard is less common.

Diet: 
Several crucifers are used, especially Cuckooflower in damp meadows and Garlic Mustard along road verges and ditches. Occasionally, it uses Hedge Mustard, Winter-cress, Turnip, Charlock, Large Bitter-cress, and Hairy Rock-cress. In addition, it lays eggs on Honesty and Dame's-violet in gardens, but larval survival is thought to be poor on these plants.
Status: 

Where found the Orange Tip is a fairly common sight, and although there are less colonies in Scotland it may be increasing in numbers.

  • UK Biodiversity Action Plan: not listed
  • Butterfly Conservation priority: low
  • European threat status: not threatened 
    • Did You Know?: 

    The Orange Tip caterpillar is known to devour any eggs and other caterpillars it may find, on the same plant that it occupies.