Brimstone

One of the joys of a spring day is watching a fluttering, lemon-yellow brimstone alight on a flower - an early sign that the seasons are changing. It is commonly spotted in gardens, woodland and parks.

Species information

Statistics

Wingspan: 6.0-7.4cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

January to December

About

The brimstone is a fairly large, pale yellow butterfly, with distinctive, leaf-shaped wings. Adults hibernate through cold weather, so may be seen flying on warm days throughout the year, although they are most common in the spring. Usually seen in ones or twos, they are never very common, but are widespread. They can be found in damp woodlands, along sunny, woodland rides and mature hedgerows, and in large gardens. The foodplants of the larvae are buckthorn and alder buckthorn. Both shrubs are found in wet woodland, while buckthorn also occurs on dry chalk and limestone soils.

How to identify

The brimstone is a large butterfly with a greyish body and characteristically veiny and pointed wings. Males are lemon-yellow, while females are greenish-white with orange spots in the middle of each wing. Brimstones rest with their wings closed.

In our area

Brimstone butterflies are commonly found across Shropshire, but particularly where plant species such as Alder Buckthorn are found as this is an important food source for caterpillars. Alder Buckthorn is particularly prevalent on the Mosses in North Shropshire.

In the spring when butterflies emerge out of hibernation they will search for nectar from early flowering plants, such as primrose, pussywillow and ivy.