Orange-tip
Anthocharis cardamines
National Status
Range expanding nationally. Population trend 10 years to 2016 +59%; since 1976 +10%.
West Midlands Status
Widespread, found in all areas, range stable. Population trend 10 years – increasing.
Orange-tip was recorded in 894 squares in 2026
10 Year Trend Analysis
Habitat
Various grassy areas such as meadows, hedgerows, wood edges and gardens. Butterflies roam widely seeking out foodplants
Caterpillar Food Plant
The main foodplants are Cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis) and Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata). Charlock (Sinapis arvensis), Hairy Rock-cress (Arabis hirsuta), Hedge Mustard (Sisymbrium officinale), Large Bitter-cress (Cardamine amara), Turnip (Brassica rapa) and Winter-cress (Barbarea vulgaris) are also used
Life Cycle
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Egg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Larva | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pupa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adult | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Flight Period
One generation per year, with the males appearing first in late March in a warm spring. The flight period is over by mid-June with May the best time to see this species.
First/Last Sightings 2026
| First Sighting | Recorded by | Last Sighting | Recorded by |
| 10 March | Woodcock, Jonathan | 14 August | Matthews, Angela |
Distribution Map
Key
Total number of sightings per tetrad
Hotspots
Melrose Farm and Hollybed Farm in Worcestershire, Grafton Wood, Portway Hill, Woodgate Valley.