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Bright Yellow Butterfly

Brimstone Butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni)

 

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The most unusual looking of all British butterflies the Brimstone Butterfly can sometimes be seen as early in the year as February, although it is mostly seen May-June after emerging in late spring from its winter hibernation.

The male Brimstone is an unmistakable Bright Yellow Butterfly, when seen in flight, the female is similar in size and shape but much paler in colour sometimes mistaken from a distance for the Large White Butterfly.

where

The Brimstone butterfly can be found in a broad range of habitats such as open woodlands, parks and gardens mostly on bright sunny days.

Its most unusual wing shape, gives the Brimstone the perfect camouflage from predators when nectaring or hibernating.

Brimstone Butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni)

Brimstone Butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni)

Quick Info

  • Family group: pieridae – Whites
  • Subfamily: Coliadinae
  • Status: UK resident
  • Caterpillars feed on: Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn.
  • Adult Nectar Plant: Dandelions, Knapweed, Teasils, Spurge Laural (Daphne laureola)
  • Wingspan: approx 60mm
  • Photographed: 7th August 2010
  • Location :
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