Sara Orangetip (Anthocharis sara) is in the Whites, Yellows, and Sulphurs family (Pieridae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 5,241 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Sara Orangetip: observations by month (U.S.)
About Sara Orangetip
Anthocharis sara, the Sara orangetip or Pacific orangetip, is a butterfly which ranges along the Pacific coast of North America from Alaska to Mexico.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Sara Orangetip by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 5,196 | April | Feb–May |
| Oregon | 37 | March | Mar–Jun |
| Nevada | 8 | April | Apr–May |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related butterflies (Whites, Yellows, and Sulphurs)
Small White
Orange Sulphur
Cloudless Sulphur
Sleepy Orange
Checkered White
Dainty Sulphur
Little Yellow
Clouded Sulphur
Photography tips
- Butterflies are sluggish on cool mornings — the best time for close approaches.
- Keep the sensor parallel to the wings for edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Nectar plants in bloom are reliable places to wait.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Sara Orangetip?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from February to May.
Where is Sara Orangetip most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Oregon, Nevada.