JUNE: Orange Tip Butterfly PUPAE

Anthocharis cardamines, commonly called the Orange Tip butterfly, is a European and Asian species known for its distinctive appearance. Male Orange Tips sport vibrant orange wingtips contrasting with white wings, while females have more subdued markings, lacking the orange tips, often resembling Cabbage White butterflies. They inhabit diverse environments like meadows and woodlands, typically one of the earliest butterflies to emerge in spring. Their larval host plants include wild mustards like Garlic Mustard and Cuckooflower, as well as related plants like Honesty (Lunaria) and Sweet Rocket (Hesperus matronalis). These butterflies can often be seen floating between flowers in springtime. The Orange Tip's captivating sexual dimorphism and ecological significance make it a notable and cherished species among butterfly enthusiasts and conservationists alike. It is easy to rear in captivity, however caterpillars are prone to cannibalising each other when hungry, so make sure they have lots of food available! Pupae are formed on the stems of the host plant, resembling a thorn or dead leaf, where they remain for the next 10-11 months, emerging the following spring to begin all over again.