Insect ð¦
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Gonepteryx rhamni
| Size | 52â60 mm wingspan About the width of a matchbox |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.2 g Virtually weightless |
| Lifespan | 12â13 months â one of the longest-lived British butterflies |
| Rarity | Common |
| M vs F | Males are vivid sulphur yellow; females are pale greenish-white â the leaf-like wing shape is identical |
| Habitat | Woodland edges, scrub, gardens â wherever Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn grow |
| Best time | FebruaryâOctober; one of the first to emerge in late winter |
| Conservation | UK: Green LC |
Did you know?
The word 'butterfly' may derive from the Brimstone â a bright yellow 'butter-coloured fly' that was one of the most noticed of the early emerging species in spring
The word 'butterfly' may derive from the Brimstone â a bright yellow 'butter-coloured fly' that was one of the most noticed of the early emerging species in spring
More for experts
When resting with wings closed the Brimstone is virtually undetectable â the leaf-shaped wings with prominent veins make it a near-perfect leaf mimic
Often confused with
Large White (black-tipped wings, white), Clouded Yellow (orange-yellow, faster flight â rarer migrant)
Large White (black-tipped wings, white), Clouded Yellow (orange-yellow, faster flight â rarer migrant)