Brimstone butterfly
Image: Master of the First Prayerbook of Maximillian (CC0)
Common NameBrimstone butterfly
Scientific NameGonepteryx rhamni
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsyellow, black
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, scrubland, and forest edges.
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, and Asia.
Host Plantsbuckthorn, alder buckthorn
Flight PeriodMarch to October (with hibernation)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the buds or young leaves of buckthorn species. The caterpillars are green and feed on the leaves. Pupae are green and camouflaged, resembling a leaf. Adults emerge in summer, are one of the longest-lived butterflies, hibernating through winter and re-emerging to fly in early spring.
Identification TipsLook for the unique pointed shape of the forewings and the overall bright yellow coloration (males) or greenish-white (females). The illustration shows prominent black spots, which can be a feature or artistic interpretation; typically, a single orange spot is present on each wing.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright lemon-yellow wings, characterized by a distinctive pointed apex on the forewings and several small black spots on the wings.
