Common brimstone
Common NameCommon brimstone
Scientific NameGonepteryx rhamni
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsyellow, pale green, white
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, scrub, gardens, open country
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, and temperate Asia
Host PlantsRhamnus cathartica, Frangula alnus
Flight PeriodMarch to August (overwintering adults)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant buds. Larvae are green and feed on leaves. Pupae are green and camouflaged as a leaf. Adults emerge in summer, overwinter, and are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring.
Identification TipsDistinctive leaf-like wing shape with pointed forewings and a small projection on the hindwings. Males are unmistakable bright yellow; females are pale greenish-white. Small orange-red spot on each wing.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a distinctive leaf-like wing shape, males are bright lemon yellow, while females are pale greenish-white, both featuring a small orange spot on each wing.
