The Falcate Orangetip is a sexually dimorphic species. This means that males and females look different from each other, and in this case, the difference is the color of the wing tips. Males have bright orange in the upper corner of their forewings that really stands out on the white wing. A single black dot sits just below that orange patch. Females lack the orange color completely, though it may be replaced with a small bit of ashy gray instead. The single black dot may be just a bit larger on the female. Both sexes have a black-and-white checkered border around the wing tips and both have fuzzy, dark gray bodies on top that are white underneath. The underside of the wings is white with a black and gray marbling on the hindwing.
The caterpillar is white with a black 'back'. A yellow line runs down the 'spine' and is flanked by light blue or turquoise lines that are freckled with black dots of varying sizes. It feeds on wildflowers that bloom in spring, like rock cress, Spring Beauty, and toothwort. This caterpillar spends a great deal of time in chrysalis form with some extending this life stage through autumn and winter.
Look for flying adults in early and late spring near woodlands. They are fast in flight, so admire them for as long as they allow.
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Size (Adult; Length): 35mm to 45mm (1.37in to 1.76in)
Colors: orange; white; black
Descriptors: sexual dimorphic; orange wing tips; black dot on white wing; flying; speckled marbled underwing; black and white edge border; gray hairy body; fast
Relative Size Comparison Lo: 35mm | Hi: 45mm
Territorial Reach (A-to-Z) U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns.
Territorial Map U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Alaska
Hawaii
Prince Edward Is.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used for sensing.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: orange; white; black
