Orange-tip  (Anthocharis cardamines)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

This resident species has a wide distribution in the southern half of Britain. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, this butterfly was lost from many areas of Scotland. Since the 1940s, however, the orange-tip has extended its range. It also occurs throughout Ireland, much of Europe, reaching north to central Scandinavia, and extends through the Middle East and temperate Asia, reaching Japan. At present, this butterfly is spreading northwards in Europe (2).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

Found in a variety of grassy, damp habitats, including meadows and road verges (2).

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