Brimstone
Image: Jan van Kessel the Elder (Public domain)
Common NameBrimstone
Scientific NameGonepteryx rhamni
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsyellow
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, scrubland, open country
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, Asia Minor, and parts of Asia
Host PlantsBuckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus)
Flight PeriodMarch to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, with adults emerging in summer, feeding, and then hibernating through winter to re-emerge in early spring for breeding. Larvae feed on buckthorn leaves.
Identification TipsEasily recognized by its unique leaf-like wing shape, bright yellow color (males), and the small orange spot on each wing. It is one of the earliest butterflies to appear in spring after hibernation.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright lemon-yellow wings and a distinctive leaf-like wing shape, featuring pointed forewings and a small orange-red spot on each wing.
