Brimstone Butterfly

Gonepteryx rhamni

The Brimstone Butterfly is bright yellow and is often one of the first butterflies to appear in spring. It loves sunny days!

Habitat: Woodlands and gardens

Appearance

The Brimstone Butterfly is easily recognized by its distinctive leaf-shaped wings with pointed tips. Males are a vibrant lemon-yellow, while females are a paler greenish-white. Both sexes have a small, orange spot near the center of each wing, helping them stand out.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPieridaeGenusGonepteryx

Brimstone Butterfly

Interesting facts

Brimstones are among the longest-living butterflies in Europe, sometimes surviving over a year! Wow!

Did you know the word "butterfly" might have originated from this very species? Wow!

Their wings look exactly like leaves when they rest, making them super hard to spot! Wow!

You can often spot the bright yellow males flying on the very first warm days of spring! Wow!

Special abilities

Brimstone Butterflies have leaf-like wings that help them blend perfectly into foliage when resting.

Brimstone Butterflies can hibernate through winter, allowing them to live for an exceptionally long time.

Brimstone Butterflies are among the first to emerge in spring, powered by energy stored from their hibernation.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 50-60 mm
Size: 25-30 mm
Lifespan: 300-400 days
Flight Speed: 18 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on specific leaves, while adult butterflies sip sweet flower nectar.

Age differences: Yes, caterpillars eat leaves, while adult butterflies drink nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

Buckthorn leaves
Alder buckthorn leaves
Thistle nectar
Knapweed nectar
Dandelion nectar

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Alder Buckthorn

Frangula alnus

Caterpillars feed on its leaves.

eaten by

Common Buckthorn

Rhamnus cathartica

Caterpillars also feast on its leaves.

pollinates

Creeping Thistle

Cirsium arvense

Adults drink nectar, helping pollination.

pollinates

Greater Knapweed

Centaurea scabiosa

Adults visit for nectar, spreading pollen.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.