Observations on co-existing late-instar caterpillars of the Orange-tip butterfly, Anthocharis cardamines (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

Abstract

• Co-existence between late instar larvae of Anthocharis cardamines on multiple occupied Lunaria annua plants was monitored in a suburban Edinburgh garden and a stand-off between final instar larvae on Sisymbrium officinale in countryside near Leipzig was recorded photographically. Occupation of mauve-flowered Lunaria plants was significantly higher than white-flowered ones. The notion that the resting behaviour of final instar larva along the top of seed pods camouflages them is challenged. Although not part of that argument, a major predation event by Vespula vulgaris was seen on Lunaria.