orange tip

Anthocharis cardamines

• Upper wings are white
   
• Forewings of both male and female show a single black spot, which is enclosed by the characteristic orange tip only on the male.
   
• Hind under wing of both sexes, a confusion of green and white markings. In flight the female looks like a green-veined white but at rest, the under wing looks like lichen against a white background.
   

Where found

Flowery meadows. Larvae feed on cuckooflower and garlic mustard. Throughout British Isles, except far north of Scotland.
 

When to look for

• First appears in April.