Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
orange-tip butterfly
insect
Also known as: Anthocharis
orange-tip butterfly, (genus Anthocharis), any of a group of butterflies in the subfamily Pierinae (family Pieridae, order Lepidoptera) that have a wingspan of 37 to 63 mm (1.5 to 2.5 inches). The orange-tips, so called because most species have an orange spot on the top of the forewings, have whitish wings with black markings and green marbling on the underside. The larvae feed on plants in the mustard family.
There are about 1,100 species in the family Pieridae, which also contains the white and sulfur butterflies.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.
Discover how ordinary objects work, and expand your understanding of the familiar.
" height="20" alt="HEW Logo">
By clicking "Sign Up", you consent to the Britannica Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.