The Orange-tip butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines) is a distinctive species native to the United Kingdom, named for the vibrant orange tips on the upper side of the male’s forewings. It is commonly found throughout the UK, particularly in damp meadows, woodland edges, hedgerows, and gardens.

Orange-tip butterflies primarily feed on the nectar of various flowering plants such as cuckooflowers, garlic mustard, and honesty. As caterpillars, they feed on the seedpods of cuckooflowers and garlic mustard. Their specialised diet contributes to their distribution and abundance in habitats where their food plants are plentiful.

In terms of behaviour, Orange-tip butterflies are known for their swift and erratic flight patterns, often seen fluttering among the vegetation in search of nectar sources and suitable egg-laying sites. They are also solitary creatures, except during mating season.

The lifespan of an Orange-tip butterfly typically ranges from one to two weeks for adults, with multiple generations emerging throughout the spring and summer months. Their lifecycle is closely tied to the availability of food plants and suitable breeding habitats.

Culturally, the Orange-tip butterfly has been depicted in various artworks, literature, and folklore as a symbol of spring and renewal. Its vibrant colours and presence in natural landscapes evoke feelings of warmth and vitality.

An interesting fact about the Orange-tip butterfly is its dimorphic wing pattern, with males exhibiting the distinctive orange tips while females lack them. This sexual dimorphism serves as a visual cue for mating and is believed to play a role in mate selection.