Brimstone Butterfly
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
5
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
Ability
Master of Disguise
Brimstone Butterflies have leaf-like wings that help them blend perfectly into foliage when resting.
Ability
Super Survivor
Brimstone Butterflies can hibernate through winter, allowing them to live for an exceptionally long time.
Ability
Early Bird Flyer
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
BrimstoneCommon Brimstone
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brimstone Butterfly's wingspan?
50-60 mm
How big is Brimstone Butterfly?
25-30 mm
How long does Brimstone Butterfly live?
300-400 days
How fast can Brimstone Butterfly fly?
18 km/h
What does Brimstone Butterfly eat?
Caterpillars munch on specific leaves, while adult butterflies sip sweet flower nectar.
Where is Brimstone Butterfly usually found?
Woodlands and gardens
How does Brimstone Butterfly hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Brimstone Butterfly have?
6
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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