Orange Tip

Orange Tip butterfly, Anthocharis cardamines, on Gorse.  Male.  West Wickham Common, 1 April 2012.

This was the first time I had ever seen one of these pretty butterflies, though they are not scarce and should be findable in the north-east, where I grew up. Of course it is possible that I have seen one and not known what I was looking at, even though the male is so distinctive, with the orange wing-tips for which it is named.  I have seen several since.

This is the first butterfly species of the year to emerge from a cocoon.  The earlier species have all hibernated as adults.

The undersides of the rear wings are marbled with gold, an unusual effect.  But those opening buds of Gorse are almost as luscious.

Orange Tip butterfly, Anthocharis cardamines, on Gorse.  Male.  West Wickham Common, 1 April 2012.