127 



ORANGE-TIP BUTTERFLY. 



Pontia Cardamines. 



PLATE X. Figs. L «& 2. 



Tap. Cardamines, Linn. — Donovan, v. pi. 169 — Letcin^ 



pi. 30 Orange-tip, or Lady of the Woods, Harris, Aurel, 



pi. 32. —Pontia Cardamines, Sleph. Illus.— Mancipium 

 Cardamines, Hubner. 



This delicate and warmly tinted species seems to 

 occur in considerable plenty in all parts of Britain, 

 and it is not unfrequent in Ireland. Its ordinary 

 time of appearance is near the end of May, but 

 when the weather is mild it is on the wing much 

 sooner, especially in the southern parts of England, 

 where it has been sometimes seen by the middle of 

 April. It frequents lanes and open glades in woods, 

 and sometimes enlivens our gardens by its gay and 

 fitful flight. The sexes are so dissimilar, that they 

 were mistaken by Ray and some other authors for 

 distinct species. The expansion of the wings varies 

 from an inch and a quarter to nearly two inches. 

 The primary wings are white, dusky at the base, with 

 a small black crescent-shaped spot in the middle, 

 and an interrupted patch of black round the tip : the 



