Sara Orangetip vs Goldenrod Soldier Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sara Orangetip Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Scientific Name Anthocharis sara Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Pieridae Cantharidae
Size 30-40 mm wingspan 9-12 mm
Habitat Mountains Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Western North America Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sara Orangetip

Small white butterfly with vivid orange forewing tips and mottled greenish hindwing undersides. Flies early in spring in western North America.

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Did You Know?

Adults have a single short flight period in spring and are not seen for the rest of the year.

Goldenrod Soldier Beetle

A familiar autumn beetle of eastern North America, commonly seen in large numbers on goldenrod flowers. Its yellow-and-black pattern mimics that of wasps.

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Did You Know?

It produces defensive compounds called dihydromatricaria acids that deter ants and other predators.