Anthocharissara sara

Sara's orangetip

Family: Pieridae · Class: Insecta · Order: Lepidoptera

Sara's orangetip (Anthocharis sara) is a small to medium-sized butterfly in the white and sulfur family (Pieridae). Males are distinctive with bright orange patches on the forewings bordered by black markings, while females lack the orange coloration and display white forewings with black spots and checkered wing borders. The underwings of both sexes show a marbled green and white pattern that provides effective camouflage when at rest. Wingspan typically ranges from 38 to 50 mm (1.5 to 2.0 inches). This species occurs across California and western Arizona extending south to northern Mexico. The distribution encompasses diverse elevations from sea level coastal areas to montane regions, with populations documented from the Peninsular Ranges in southern California north through the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range. Multiple subspecies exist across this range, including the Santa Catalina orangetip (A. s. gunderi) endemic to Santa Catalina Island and various mainland forms adapted to different geographic regions. Sara's orangetip inhabits a variety of open habitats including chaparral, oak woodlands, desert washes, canyon bottoms, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and field margins. The species shows particular association with areas where mustard family plants grow abundantly. Elevation preferences vary by subspecies and geographic location, ranging from near sea level to over 2,000 meters in montane environments. Host plants include multiple species in the mustard family (Brassicaceae), with documented use of tansy-mustard (Descurainia species), jewelflower (Streptanthus species), and tumble mustard (Sisymbrium species). Females lay single eggs on flower buds or young seed pods of these plants. The species is univoltine in most areas, with a single generation per year. Adults typically emerge in late winter to early spring, with peak flight periods varying by elevation and latitude. Males patrol territories seeking females, often concentrating around host plant patches. Larvae feed within developing seed pods, completing development before pupating in the soil or plant debris. Conservation status varies significantly among subspecies and populations. While the species as a whole appears stable across much of its range, some localized populations face pressure from habitat loss due to urban development and agricultural conversion. The Santa Catalina orangetip subspecies has particular conservation concern due to its restricted island distribution. According to NatureServe, the global conservation status is ranked as G5 (demonstrably secure globally), though it may be quite rare in parts of its range. Climate change may affect the timing of emergence relative to host plant availability, particularly in desert and low-elevation populations where drought conditions are intensifying.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.