Male Orange Tip at Golspie, May 2007.
Photograph by Tony Mainwood
Female Orange Tip at Golspie, showing mottling on underside of rear wings.
Photograph by Tony Mainwood.
DESCRIPTION:
Only the males have orange tipped wings. Females' wings are white, tipped with black. The undersides of the hindwings of both sexes have a mottled green effect, making it easy to distinguish a female from the other "whites".
Wingspan 40 - 52mm.
LIFE CYCLE
Single brooded, overwintering as pupa.
FLIGHT TIMES
Males emerge about a week before females. May be seen on the wing from mid April to June.
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION
A major expansion in range occurred 25 - 30 years ago, spreading westwards from Moray and Speyside, now as far as Skye, Arisaig and Knoydart, and northwards to Sutherland. A postcard survey conducted in Spring 2007 may reveal further expansion.
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