Orange-tip vs Gatekeeper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Orange-tip | Gatekeeper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anthocharis cardamines | Pyronia tithonus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Pieridae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 38-48 mm wingspan | 34-38 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Western Europe, Southern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Orange-tip
Males have bright orange wingtips; females are plain white with black tips. A herald of spring in European woodlands.
Did You Know?
Males patrol hedgerows searching for freshly emerged females, never visiting the same flower patch twice.
Gatekeeper
A common warm-brown butterfly often seen basking on hedgerow flowers in high summer. It has distinctive twin white pupils within the eye-spots on its forewings.
Did You Know?
Its alternative name 'Hedge Brown' reflects its strong association with hedgerow habitats.