Male. Taken at Aston, Oxon., on July 18th 2022. (© David Hastings)
(1/640th sec at f13)

Female. Taken at Aston Upthorpe Downs, Oxon., on July 21st 2021. (© David Hastings)
(1/400th sec at f11)

Description

Family: Pieridae

Wing span: 60 - 74 mm

One of the first butterflies to be seen in the spring, the Brimstone is also one of the longest-lived in its adult form, with some individuals living for 10 or 11 months. Males are butter-yellow, and the females are a pale greenish-yellow. They always rest with their wings closed.

It is mainly found in England. In Ireland it is only common in the Burren.

It can be found anywhere that the larval foodplant grows, which is usually damp woodland.

The main flight periods are March to June, then a second generation flies from late July to October or November, before entering hibernation.

The primary larval foodplants are Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus) and Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus).

Favourite nectar sources are Thistles, Knapweeds, Scabious and Teasels.

Male Brimstones can be found well away from breeding sites, often being seen on road verges and hedgerows, and in gardens.

Least Concern

Earliest UK sighting: 23rd February ; Latest UK sighting: 27th October

Sightings