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Common brimstone

Common brimstone

Gonepteryx rhamni

A species of Brimstones, Also known as Brimstone

Common brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) is an attractive species of butterfly; males display iridescence and have yellow wings, whereas females have white-green, non-iridescent wings. This species is wholly reliant on two species of buckthorn plant to lay its eggs. Consequently, the larvae consume large amounts of buckthorn.

General Info About Common brimstone
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Attributes of Common brimstone
Colors
Brown
Green
Habitat
forest; open land; garden; park; grassland; lower elevation area
Adult Food Sources
Buddleia, ivy flowers, thistles, knapweeds, dandelion
Larva Food Source
Rhamnus frangula, rhamnus cathartica, rhamnus alaternus, frangula alnus, rhamnus pumila
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Common brimstone is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Common brimstone is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Common brimstone feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
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Life Cycle of Common brimstone
Egg At this earliest life stage, the egg of common brimstone is tiny and round, often found on the underside of leaves. This stage is brief, characterized by a hardened outer shell protecting the developing larva within.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva (caterpillar) of common brimstone emerges, primarily focused on feeding. This stage is marked by continuous molting, where it increases in size and its coloration may vary, indicating growth and development.
Pupal The caterpillar of common brimstone forms a pupa, undergoing significant transformation inside. This stage is a period of reorganization where the tissues of the larva are broken down and the adult structures are formed.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult common brimstone’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Common brimstone
4.5 - 7 cm
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Predators of Common brimstone Larvae
Ants, wasps, birds, spiders
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Predators of Adult Common brimstone
Birds, bats, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Common brimstone
The common brimstone has the longest lifespan of any butterfly, living up to a year, which is exceptionally rare for its kind.
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Scientific Classification of Common brimstone
Tips for Finding Common brimstone
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How Can You Attract Common brimstone
Since common brimstone feeds on nectar, setting traps with sweet substances or flowers that are attractive to common brimstone could be effective.
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Habitat Preferences of Common brimstone Through Different Life Stages
To observe the different growth stages of common brimstone, one should search in varied habitats. For the eggs, inspect the leaves of buckthorn plants which serve as their primary host. Caterpillars can be found munching on the host plant leaves, thus searching the undersides of these leaves would be prudent. Pupae may require a keen eye, as they often attach to stems or leaves near the ground in sheltered, green areas, blending with the vegetation. Adult common brimstone predominantly frequent flower-rich grasslands, edge habitats, and gardens, where they feed on nectar. In each respective stage, careful examination of these habitats will be quintessential for locating common brimstone.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Common brimstone
The best time to find common brimstone is usually on warm, sunny days when butterflies are most active, especially during their flight season.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Common brimstone
Sunny and calm weather is most suitable for finding common brimstone as they are less active in cold, windy, or rainy conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Common brimstone at Different Life Stages
Egg Common brimstone eggs are small, typically laid on the host plants. To find them, inspect the leaves of host plants, looking for tiny, yellowish eggs.
Larva Common brimstone larvae can be found on or near their host plants. Look for them by checking the undersides of leaves for caterpillars or signs of feeding.
Pupal During the common brimstone pupa stage, search for chrysalises attached to plant stems or leaves, often camouflaged, so careful observation is needed.
Adult Common brimstone are best spotted when feeding on nectar from flowers. Visit flowering plants during sunny days to observe adult common brimstone butterflies.
Are Common brimstone harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Common brimstone
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Buddleia, Asteraceae
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Common brimstone is attracted to vividly colored and fragrant flowers, playing a role in the pollination process by transferring pollen while seeking out nectar as a food source. Visiting a variety of blossoms, common brimstone inadvertently deposits pollen, aiding in plant reproduction, and contributing to the ecosystem's diversity.
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