Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines)
Cheshire local information
When to see: April to June
Where to see: Meadow
Behaviour: Patrol
Wingspan: 40-52mm
Caterpillar food plant: Cuckoo Flower (Cardamine pratensis), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
Cheshire status: A common and widespread resident, especially in damp grassy habitats. Despite the loss of traditional meadows by modern farming methods it is presently more numerous than ever. Single-brooded flying from mid-April to mid-June.
Resources
Watch a film about the Life Cycle of the Orange Tip butterfly (Windows Media Audio/Video File 3.66Mb - © MMIV Dream Catcher Films). The film is part of the Butterfly Conservation Education Pack that is available to schools.
Choice of larval foodplants by the Orange Tip butterfly in Cheshire
