Eastern Orange-tip
Anthocharis damone
Anthocharis damone, the eastern orange tip, is a butterfly in the subfamily Pierinae, found in southern Europe and into Asia Minor.
19
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthocharis_damone
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera
Family
Pieridae
Genus
Anthocharis
Eastern Orange-tip belongs to the family Pieridae, order Lepidoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Anthocharis damone, the eastern orange tip, is a butterfly in the subfamily Pierinae, found in southern Europe and into Asia Minor.
The Eastern Orange-tip butterfly faces significant threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural intensification and urban development across its Mediterranean range. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the distribution and phenology of its host plants, while overgrazing and changes in land management practices further degrade suitable breeding habitats.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Mediterranean scrublands, dry grasslands, and rocky hillsides with sparse vegetation, typically at elevations between 200-1500m. The species requires areas with abundant populations of its cruciferous host plants, particularly species of Biscutella and other mustard family plants.
Threats
Habitat loss and fragmentation from agricultural intensification
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Climate change impacts on host plant availability
Loss of traditional extensive farming systems
Overgrazing and altered land management practices
Found in 19 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Eastern Orange-tip (Anthocharis damone). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/eastern-orange-tip