Two male brimstone butterflies chasing one female

Brimstone        Lapsuliblikas        Gonepteryx rhamni

In spring we can see yellow as well as white butterflies flying. Despite the seemingly great difference in colour we have to do with the same species – the brimstone butterfly.

The difference in colour is related to the sex of the butterfly – male brimstones are dark yellow, heralding a sunny and warm summer.

The wing colour of female brimstones is much paler – with a whitish green shade. Because of this a female brimstone flying in bright sunshine may give the impression of a white butterfly.

Although people of old have said that meeting a white butterfly in spring means a difficult summer you should not despair. Follow the white butterfly until it settles down to rest. On studying the female brimstone closer it turns out that she too is actually yellow. And when we look at a brimstone’s wing in magnification, there is a delicate greenish hue in addition to the yellow.

On the wings of the brimstones a green undertone colour appears

Early spring has put the brakes on but in the warm beginning of the week spring butterflies should certainly be visible.

Reminder:

The reprint of the book was available today in publisher „Varrak’s“ stores (in Apollos it was sold out). Pleasant to  read, good for identifying butterflies, helping to learn to know the butterflies of Estonia, introducing their habitats and life.

In Looduskalender’s opinion the best book on northern butterflies and warmly recommended. Easy for a nature fan to use and a beautiful gift at the beginning of the butterfly year.