Orange Tip Butterflies

News >   Orange Tip Butterflies >

April sees the emergence of the Orange Tip Butterflies.  They've spent the winter months as a chrysalis, hidden among last years vegetation.  Now they're on the wing, feeding on spring flower nectar and looking for a mate.  The male is unmistakable with his bright orange wing tips.

The caterpillars of the orange tip butterfly feed on the stems of the cuckoo flower, so you might notice the female of this species dipping on and off the stems of these plants as she lays a single egg on each one.  She looks a bit like a cabbage white butterfly, but as there are no cabbages around at this time of year there's unlikely to be any confusion.

More info at: UK Safari Orange Tip Butterflies Fact File