Pierids (Whites & Yellows)
A large family of light or brightly coloured butterflies of medium size, containing some of the few species regarded as pests by gardeners and vegetable growers. Skittle-shaped eggs, laid either singly or in clusters, give rise to voracious, usually green caterpillars which feed aggressively on vegetable matter. Containing unpleasant chemicals to deter predators, those larvae that survive form chrysalises with pointed or beak-shaped heads held by a silken pad and girdle, varying in colour according to the background on which they are formed. .
Orange-tip (Anthocaris cardamines)
Orange-tip (Anthocaris cardamines)

Orange-tip (Anthocaris cardamines)
Family: Pieridae
Subfamily: Pierinae
Tribe: Anthocharini
Genus: Anthocharis
Species: cardamines
Subspecies: britannica, hibernica

Key ID Features:
Male unmistakable with bright, orange wing tips.
Female has grey wing tips with clear, black, central spot on forewing.
Underside hindwing markings show through faintly to upperside.

Seen in UK: April- September (except late July/early August)

The Orange-tip is a true sign of spring, being one of the first species to emerge that has not overwintered as an adult. The male and female of this species are very different in appearance. The more-conspicuous male has orange tips to the forewings, that give this butterfly its name. These orange tips are absent in the female and the female is often mistaken for one of the other whites, especially the Green-veined White or Small White. This butterfly is found throughout England, Wales and Ireland, but is somewhat-local further north and especially in Scotland. In most regions this butterfly does not form discrete colonies and wanders in every direction as it flies along hedgerows and woodland margins looking for a mate, nectar sources or foodplants. More northerly colonies are more compact and also more restricted in their movements.

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley

Orange-tip (Anthocaris cardamines)

Orange-tip (Anthocaris cardamines)
Family: Pieridae
Subfamily: Pierinae
Tribe: Anthocharini
Genus: Anthocharis
Species: cardamines
Subspecies: britannica, hibernica

Key ID Features:
Male unmistakable with bright, orange wing tips.
Female has grey wing tips with clear, black, central spot on forewing.
Underside hindwing markings show through faintly to upperside.

Seen in UK: April- September (except late July/early August)

The Orange-tip is a true sign of spring, being one of the first species to emerge that has not overwintered as an adult. The male and female of this species are very different in appearance. The more-conspicuous male has orange tips to the forewings, that give this butterfly its name. These orange tips are absent in the female and the female is often mistaken for one of the other whites, especially the Green-veined White or Small White. This butterfly is found throughout England, Wales and Ireland, but is somewhat-local further north and especially in Scotland. In most regions this butterfly does not form discrete colonies and wanders in every direction as it flies along hedgerows and woodland margins looking for a mate, nectar sources or foodplants. More northerly colonies are more compact and also more restricted in their movements.

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley