Common Brimstone
Common NameCommon Brimstone
Scientific NameGonepteryx rhamni
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorspale yellow, greenish-white
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, Asia
Host PlantsBuckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus)
Flight PeriodJuly to October (hibernates) and March to June
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, meaning one generation per year. Adults emerge in summer, hibernate through winter, and re-emerge in spring to mate and lay eggs on buckthorn species. Caterpillars feed on leaves before pupating.
Identification TipsLook for the unique leaf-like wing shape with pointed forewings, the small orange-red spot on each wing, and the overall pale yellow (male) or greenish-white (female) coloration. Often seen flying early in spring.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a distinctive leaf-like wing shape, males are bright lemon yellow and females are greenish-white, both featuring a small orange-red spot on each wing.
