Woodland Trust

Nature's CalendarNature Detectives

The game of 'conkers' (name derived from the word 'conch') was originally played with snail shells

Brimstone. Roy Battellbrimstone

gonepteryx rhamni

  • Female has pale green wings
     
  • Male has lemon-yellow wings - the origin of the word ‘butter’fly
     
  • Both have a small orange spot on each wing
     

Where found

Light woodland, bushy areas.

Larvae feed on buckthorn.

Found throughout the British Isles, except Scotland.
 

When to look forAdd the dates of when you first record this species

  • Often first butterfly to appear after winter.
     
  • Hibernating specimens reappear in early spring, from late March/early April.
 
 
Working with our partners: Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
© 2006 Woodland Trust