Julia Orangetip
(Anthocharis julia)
Whites
Appearance: Male white above (female, pale yellow) with bright orange wingtips on forewings. Below, the hindwing has yellow veins and patchy yellow green marbling (sometimes orange on forewing tip shows through when backlit). Usually shows a white ray in middle of hindwing.
Wingspan: Small; 1 to 1 1/4 inches.
Habitat: Mountain meadows and along stream sides in canyons; foothills, montane.
Flight Times: April to late June; one brood. Overwinters as chrysalis.
Larval Foodplant: Rockcress.
Did You Know…
Although the classification of orangetips is still evolving, the sight of an early orangetip buoys the spirit and makes one marvel at the beauty and delicate nature of these harbingers of spring. They are often hard to find perched on plants as they seem to be constantly flying.
