Brimstone
Common NameBrimstone
Scientific NameGonepteryx rhamni
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsyellow, greenish-white, orange
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, scrubland, forest edges
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North Africa
Host PlantsBuckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus)
Flight PeriodMarch to October (overwintering as adults)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant's leaves. Larvae are green and feed on the leaves, eventually pupating into a green chrysalis. Adults emerge in summer, feed, and then overwinter, making them one of Europe's longest-lived butterflies.
Identification TipsLook for the unique leaf-like wing shape and the small orange-red spot on each wing. Males are unmistakable with their bright lemon-yellow color, while females are paler greenish-white. They are often among the first butterflies to be seen in spring.
Description
The male Brimstone butterfly is characterized by its bright lemon-yellow, leaf-shaped wings, each bearing a small orange-red spot. Females are paler, appearing greenish-white, but share the distinctive wing shape and spots.
