Anthocharis sara sempervirens

Emmel, Emmel & Mattoon, 2008

Sara Orange-Tip

Anthocharis sara sempervirens is a of the Sara Orange-Tip , first described in 2008. It belongs to the Pieridae, which includes the whites and sulphurs. The subspecies epithet "sempervirens" (meaning "evergreen") references the coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests with which this butterfly is associated. Like other orange-tips, males display distinctive orange coloration on the forewing tips.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthocharis sara sempervirens: /ˌænθoʊˈkærɪs ˈsɑːrə ˌsempərˈvaɪrɛnz/

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

Habitat

Coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forest along the Pacific Coast. Associated with the moist, shaded conditions of redwood forest understories and adjacent slopes.

Distribution

Pacific Coast of North America, specifically within the range of Sequoia sempervirens from Monterey, California north to Oregon. Records indicate presence in California (70, 71, 72) and Mexico (MXC, MXE, MXG, MXI, MXN, MXS, MXT).

Seasonality

Spring. Active during the spring wildflower bloom period in coastal redwood forests.

Diet

Larval plants are members of the mustard (Brassicaceae), including Cardamine californica (California toothwort). feed on nectar from spring wildflowers.

Host Associations

  • Cardamine californica - LARVAL_HOSTCalifornia toothwort, a common spring wildflower in redwood forest understories

Behavior

Males patrol for females in spring. is rapid and erratic, making observation and photography challenging. are most active during spring wildflower bloom periods.

Ecological Role

of spring wildflowers in coastal redwood forest . Larvae contribute to nutrient cycling as herbivores on Brassicaceae.

Similar Taxa

  • Anthocharis mideaSimilar size and orange-tipped forewing pattern in males, but A. midea has a more falcate (hooked) forewing shape and occurs in eastern North America and Ozark regions rather than coastal redwood forests
  • Anthocharis sara saraNominate with overlapping or adjacent range; subtle differences in wing pattern and coloration distinguish sempervirens

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Sources and further reading