Butterflies

Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery : Butterflies

Anthocharis midea (Falcate Orangetip)

The Falcate Orangetip's common name comes from the curved, sickle-shaped contour of the front edge of its front wings. The males have the orange tip (females have white tips). The wingspan of this species is from 1.5 to 1.8 inches. Both sexes have a pair of black spots on the upper side of the front wings. The undersides of the hindwings have a marbled look from the pattern of black and yellow scales.

This species lives in open woods that have low ground cover. Their range is usually in southern and southwestern Illinois. Adults emerge in April and feed on nectar, especially of the larval host plants of cresses and mustards, on which the females lay eggs. The larva feed on parts of those plants, then overwinter as pupae.

Collection of the Illinois State Museum
Photograph by Dr. Everett Cashatt
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Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery : Butterflies

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