Anthocharis thoosa

(Scudder, 1878)

Southwestern Orangetip

Species Guides

Anthocharis thoosa colorado
Anthocharis thoosa inghami(Ingham's Orangetip)
Anthocharis thoosa thoosa

Anthocharis thoosa is a in the Pieridae, commonly known as the southwestern orangetip. It belongs to the Anthocharis sara group, one of four distinct species groups of North American Anthocharis. studies confirm it as a valid species, separated from A. sara and A. julia by more than 2% COI sequence divergence. It exhibits the largest intraspecific barcode divergence within its species group, with identifiable haplotypes across different metapopulations.

Anthocharis thoosa by no rights reserved, uploaded by Robbie Hannawacker. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthocharis thoosa: /ˌænθəˈkɛərɪs ˈθuːsə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Anthocharis sara group by more than 2% COI barcode sequence divergence. Fifth instar larvae and pupal cone curvature provide morphological characters for identification, with these traits always agreeing with barcode results. Within the sara group, A. thoosa shows the highest intraspecific genetic divergence, with metapopulations identifiable by distinct haplotypes.

Images

Distribution

Range extends mainly from the American Rocky Mountains south into Mexico.

Similar Taxa

Anthocharis saraSympatric member of the same group; separated by >2% COI barcode divergence and morphological differences in fifth instar larvae and pupal cone curvature.
Anthocharis juliaThird member of the sara group; similarly distinguished by genetic and morphological characters with no evidence of or hybridization with A. thoosa.

More Details

Genetic structure

Exhibits the largest intraspecific barcode divergence among the three sara group , with several metapopulations identifiable by unique haplotypes. This suggests substantial structure across its range.

Species group membership

One of three in the Anthocharis sara group, alongside A. sara and A. julia. The group is characterized by deep genetic divergence and consistent morphological differentiation in stages.