Falcate Orangetip
Anthocharis midea

Size:
Wingspan is 1 1/4 - 1 3/4 inches.

Similar Species:
Olympia Marble in WV only.

Habitat: Moist woodlands, woodland openings and riparian habitats.

Range/Abundance:
Common in the piedmont and rare or accidental in the coastal plains Uncommon in the mountains.

Flight Period:
Adults fly from early March until early June in a single brood.

Larval Host Plants:
Most members of the mustard family are used. Bittercresses Cardamine spp., Cut-leaf Toothwort Dentaria laciniata, Garlic Mustard Alliaria officinalis and rockcresses Arabis spp.

Comments:
Falcate Orangetip is considered a harbinger of spring and a delight to find flying slowly along the ground. Olympia Marble flies a bit faster.

Falcate Orangetips have hooked or falcate forewing tips, the male has orange at the tip. Males tend to fly nonstop and patrol during the week or two as they await the emergence of the females. This single-brooded species tends to hilltop.

The top photo was taken in Orange Co., NC on March 23, 2003. The second and bottom photos were taken at Merchants Millpond State Park in Gates Co., NC on March 29, 2003. The third photo was taken in Orange Co,. NC on March 14, 2002.

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