Anthocharis cethura pima

W.H. Edwards, 1888

Pima Desert Orangetip

A of Desert Orangetip native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Males exhibit , patrolling ridge tops to locate females. are active in early spring and are often difficult to photograph due to their rapid, erratic . The orange wing tips are distinctive when wings are closed or partially open.

ORANGETIP, PIMA DESERT (Anthocharis cethura pima) (1-20 14) circulo montana, patagonia lake ranch estates, scc, az -01 (12675982143) by ALAN SCHMIERER. Used under a CC0 license.

Macrolepidoptera15seit 0065 by Adalbert Seitz
. Used under a Public domain license.

ORANGETIP, PIMA DESERT (Anthocharis cethura pima) (2-28-14) 78 circulo montana, patagonia lake ranch estates, scc, az -02 (12856815674) by ALAN SCHMIERER. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthocharis cethura pima: //ˌænθoʊˈkɛərɪs ˈsɛθjʊrə ˈpaɪmə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Orange tips on forewings are the primary distinguishing feature; visible when wings are closed or partially spread. Similar to other Anthocharis but distinguished by geographic range and subtle wing pattern differences from the nominate A. c. cethura.

Images

Habitat

Dry-mesic upland areas, desert and semi-arid regions. Associated with ridge tops and elevated terrain where males patrol for mates.

Distribution

Southwestern United States (Arizona) and northwestern Mexico. Specifically recorded from Pima County, Arizona and adjacent regions.

Seasonality

Early spring; active during March and April.

Behavior

Males engage in , patrolling along ridges and elevated terrain to intercept females. is rapid and erratic, making individuals difficult to approach or photograph. Males may engage in aerial combat, spiraling vertically when competing for access to females.

Ecological Role

visit flowers for nectar. Likely serves as prey for various including birds and crab spiders.

Similar Taxa

Anthocharis mideaSimilar orange-tipped forewings, but A. midea occurs in eastern North America rather than the Southwest
Anthocharis cethura cethuraNominate with slightly different wing patterns and different geographic distribution
Anthocharis saraRelated orangetip with similar wing pattern but different range