The Orange-tip

 

Male Orange-tip Butterfly, Chorlton, Manchester One of the more colourful early spring butterflies usually seen on Cuckoo flower or Garlic Mustard (or in this case Dandelion). The bright orange tips of the males makes them unmistakeable however as soon as a cloud drifts across the sun the butterfly disappears into the background.

Underwing of a male Orange-tip Butterfly, Chorlton, Manchester Notoriously difficult to photograph, especially on a sunny day when the males spend most of the time patrolling the hedgebanks looking out for newly emerged females, the best approach is to wait until there's a bit of cloud about. Once they’ve found somewhere to rest they will rely upon their camouflage and allow close up views until the sun reappears.