A medium-large butterfly of England, Wales and Ireland. Leaf-shaped wings.
The Brimstone has spread in recent years, mainly in northern England. When this butterfly roosts among foliage, the angular shape and the strong veining of their wings closely resembles leaves.
There is a view that the word 'butterfly' originates from the yellow colour of male Brimstones.The wings of the female are very pale green, almost white, males have yellow-green underwings and yellow upperwings.
Size and Family
Family – Whites and Yellows
Large Sized
Wing Span Range (male to female) - 60mm
Conservation status
UK BAP statusNot listed
Butterfly Conservation PriorityLow
European Status:Not threatened
Protected In Northern Ireland
Caterpillar Foodplants
The Larvae feed on leaves of Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), which occurs mainly on calcareous soils, and Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), which is found on moist acid soils and wetlands.
Distribution
Countries – England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland
Common in England and Wales, less common in Ireland and very rare in Scotland
Distribution Trend Since 1970’s = -43%.
Habitat
Occurs in scrubby grassland and woodland. The butterfly ranges widely and can often be seen flying along roadside verges and hedgerows.
