Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines 4 Pupae
Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines
Store the pupae in a cool place, even a refrigerator, loose in a plastic box. An early spring butterfly. Depending on locality and season, the butterflies usually begin to fly in May. T mheale has the orange tips. Both sexes have mottled undersides in green which is actually made of microscopic scales of black and yellow, giving the illusion of green. The curious pupae look like thorns. Eggs are laid on Garlic Mustard, Sweet Rocket and Cuckoo Flower or Lady’s Smock. The larvae live singly and canabalistic. Not difficult to breed, particularly on potted foodplant. Camouflage in all stages is remarkable.