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Anthocharis cardamines
| Size | 38â48 mm wingspan About the width of a 20p coin |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.2 g Virtually weightless |
| Lifespan | 6â8 months (overwinters as pupa) |
| Rarity | Common |
| M vs F | Males have vivid orange wingtips; females look plain white with grey wingtips â easily mistaken for a different species |
| Habitat | Hedgerows, woodland rides, meadows, riverbanks â wherever Lady's Smock or Garlic Mustard grows |
| Best time | AprilâJune (one brood only) |
| Conservation | UK: Green LC |
Did you know?
The Orange-tip is one of the first butterflies of spring â males patrol hedgerows in April looking for the white females, who are well camouflaged against their foodplant flowers
The Orange-tip is one of the first butterflies of spring â males patrol hedgerows in April looking for the white females, who are well camouflaged against their foodplant flowers
More for experts
The green marbled underside is one of the most effective examples of disruptive camouflage in British butterflies â when resting on flower heads with wings closed, they are almost invisible
Often confused with
Small White (no orange tips, rounded wings), Green-veined White (greenish veining below, no orange)
Small White (no orange tips, rounded wings), Green-veined White (greenish veining below, no orange)