Anthocharis Midea - Life Cycle

Life Cycle

Males patrol on hilltops and flats all day seeking females. Females lay their eggs singly on host plant flowers. The eggs are yellow-green but turn red just before hatching. The larvae feed mainly at night and prefer to eat flowers, flower buds, and seed pots rather than leaves. They are also cannibalistic, devouring smaller larvae that may be feeding on the same plant. The larva is an olive-green color with a yellow middorsal stripe. There is a white spiracular stripe that runs the length of the body. It has short hairs and is covered with tiny black dots. It can grow up to 3 centimeters long. The larvae pupate in mid June. The chrysalis is a yellowish color and is covered with black spots. It also has a spike-like projection on the head which makes it look somewhat like a thorn. The chrysalis may overwinter for two or more years. It has 1 brood per year.