Common Brimstone Butterfly
Common NameCommon Brimstone Butterfly
Scientific NameGonepteryx rhamni
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsyellow, lime green, orange
HabitatWoodland edges, hedgerows, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, Asia
Host PlantsRhamnus cathartica, Frangula alnus
Flight PeriodMarch to October
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant buds. Larvae are green and camouflaged, as are the angled pupae. Adults emerge in summer, feed, and then hibernate through winter, making them one of the longest-lived butterflies.
Identification TipsLook for the unique leaf-like wing shape with pointed forewings and angled hindwings. Males are unmistakable with their bright yellow-green coloration. Both sexes have a single small orange spot on each wing.
Description
Males are bright lemon-yellow or greenish-yellow, while females are paler greenish-white. Both sexes have a small orange spot on each wing and a distinctive leaf-like wing shape.
