Female, Madison Co., NC 4/9/2012.

Common for a few weeks in early spring, these small whites are often seen zipping along low to the ground, seemingly never stopping. If you're lucky, you'll see one nectaring on a flower for a few seconds before taking off again.

Male, Wilkes Co., NC 4/17/05.

Female and male courting.

Botetourt Co., VA 4/19/05.

A different courting pair. The female sat still on a twig in a receptive pose, while the male fluttered around her.

Botetourt Co., VA 4/19/05.

The males give the species its common name - they have bold orange tips to their forewings, which are falcate (sickle-shaped).

Male, Wilkes Co., NC 4/17/05.

Male, Durham Co., NC 3/22/03.

Females are similar, but lack the orange tips. The vermiculations on the undersides of their hindwings are stunning when seen well.

Female, Durham Co., NC 4/3/05.