Brimstone butterfly
4,290 views · Published 12 January 2006 · 0:31 · Indexed 28 October 2026
Channel: screenshot · 2006 · Pets & Animals
Brimstones (gonepteryx rhamni) are found in woodland and gardens. They are widespread throughout Europe and North Africa. The caterpillars feed on buckthorn and alder buckthorn. The adults can be seen in meadows, sipping nectar from teasel, knapweed and buddleia. New adults emerge from their chrysalids in July and live until the following July. Adults hibernate over winter in woodlands and emerge on warm spring days. Last year's brimstones are often the first butterflies to be seen in spring. The name for this butterfly refers to the sulphur coloured wings. Brimstone is an old-fashioned name for sulphur. The female is more pale coloured than the male, and in flight, could be mistaken for a large white butterfly. Visit WWW.STOCKSHOT.NL for highres version or broadcast video footage. More shots available!
