www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Hi

Please can anyone suggest what has occurred here with this small white(?) I have not seen markings like this before, is it an indication of its age and therefore imminent demise? Thanks

Brian

Hi - this is a female Orange-tip, which lacks the orange tips

Cheers,

- Pete

Thanks Pete, I learn something every day!

Brian

Looks quite fresh as well so she should have a couple of weeks life in her yet if she's lucky

I recall an incident as a seven-year old child (please don't take this the wrong way Brianch). The only butterfly guide I had (Children's Encyclopaedia) did not feature female Orange Tip, only the male. I caught a female being in total ignorance of the lack of orange in the female. Mum and I called it a 'freak'. A little later, a kind uncle gave me a 'proper' butterfly book (Ford) and the truth about Orange Tips became clear.

Happy days.

Had a real Orange Tip (male) through my garden in North Scotland yesterday.

Jack