The Orange-tip is a true sign of
spring, being one of the first species to emerge that has not
overwintered as an adult, and can usually be seen betweens the
months of April and July. It is found in a wide variety of
habitats, including hedgerows, woodland rides and meadows, as
well as farmland, gardens and parks. The foodplants of the
caterpillars are garlic Mustard, cuckooflower and hedge
mustard.
The male
orange-tip is one of our most striking butterflies. His white
fore-wings have an obvious fiery orange band across their tips
which can be clearly seen in flight. Both male and female have
intricately marked mossy green and white hind-wings which
provide useful camouflage when they are at rest. It is only
the males that have orange-tipped forewings; females have
small black tips.
The
butterfly seen here was photographed at Old Winchester Hill in
Hampshire, about half way along the main road. Several other
butterfly species can be seen here including Small Heath,
Speckled Wood, Green Veined White, Adonis Blue and Clouded
Yellow Butterflies, with June & July being the busiest months
of the year. |