IUCN RED LIST
Established in 1964, The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups, through criteria such as rate of decline, population size and area of geographic distribution as:
- Extinct (EX) – This species is no longer extant
- Extinct in the wild (EW) – Survives only in captivity, or through cultivation often outside native range
- Critically endangered (CR) – In an extremely critical state
- Endangered (EN) – Very high risk of extinction in the wild
- Vulnerable (VU) – At high risk of unnatural (human-caused) extinction
- Near Threatened (NT) – Close to being endangered in the near future
- Least Concern (LC) – Widespread and abundant in the wild
- Data Deficient (DD) – Inadequate information to assess extinction risk
- Not Evaluated (NE) – Has not yet been assessed
The butterfly has white to pale yellow wings with bright orange tips on the forewings bordered by black markings. Seasonal forms may vary in colour intensity and patterns. The underside often displays yellowish and mottled patterns that help camouflage among dry leaves and vegetation.
The Yellow Orange Tip is an active and swift-flying butterfly. It usually flies low over open ground and frequently visits flowering plants for nectar. Males are highly territorial and often chase away other butterflies from feeding areas. It is most active during bright sunny weather.
The Yellow Orange Tip is generally non-migratory, though local seasonal movement may occur in response to rainfall and flowering availability.
Breeding mainly occurs during warmer months and monsoon seasons. Females lay spindle-shaped eggs singly on host plants belonging mainly to the Capparaceae family. Caterpillars feed on leaves and later pupate attached to stems or twigs. Courtship involves aerial chasing and fluttering displays by males.
Bright orange wing tips may distract or warn predators. Seasonal wing forms improve survival in different climates. Mottled undersides provide camouflage among dry leaves. Strong and rapid flight helps escape predators in open habitats.
Adult Yellow Orange Tips mainly feed on nectar from flowers such as lantana, ixora, mustard flowers, and wild herbs. Caterpillars feed primarily on leaves of caper and related host plants.
The Yellow Orange Tip is commonly found in dry deciduous forests, scrublands, grasslands, gardens, agricultural fields, rocky hillsides, and open countryside. It prefers sunny habitats with flowering plants and sparse vegetation.
