πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

Orange-tip

Anthocharis cardamines

About Orange-tip

Males have bright orange wingtips; females are plain white with black tips. A herald of spring in European woodlands.

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Did You Know?

Males patrol hedgerows searching for freshly emerged females, never visiting the same flower patch twice.

How to Identify Orange-tip

Orange-tip (Anthocharis cardamines) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Pieridae. Adults typically measure 38-48 mm wingspan.

Orange-tip Habitat

Orange-tip is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Orange-tip Diet and Feeding

Orange-tip feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is Orange-tip Found?

Orange-tip can be found in Europe, Asia, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Orange-tip can be found

Is Orange-tip Dangerous?

Orange-tip is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Orange-tip Role in Nature

Orange-tip plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Orange-tip

What does Orange-tip look like?

The Orange-tip typically measures 38-48 mm wingspan.

Where is Orange-tip found?

The Orange-tip is found in Europe, Asia and typically inhabits woodlands environments.

What does Orange-tip eat?

The Orange-tip feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is Orange-tip dangerous to humans?

The Orange-tip is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Orange-tip?

Males patrol hedgerows searching for freshly emerged females, never visiting the same flower patch twice.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Orange-tip (Anthocharis cardamines). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/orange-tip

MLA:
"Orange-tip." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/orange-tip.