Brimstone Butterfly question

[Dae]

Hello!

I know that brimstones are very common in the UK, but I got to see them for the very first time (of my nearly 5 yrs living here) yesterday afternoon. They were everywhere! So perhaps this is the new group before they all go into hibernation?

In either case, to my question. I took some photos, and I'm certain I photographed the male. But I wanted to know if one of the photos I have is a female? I've found it really difficult to tell the difference in my photographs, as my camera was having a tough time metering these bright butterflies against the background. In either case, here's the two photos I have, the suspected female being first.

Thanks!

Brimstone female??


Brimstone Male??

[Hedge Witch]

Hi Jen - I don't see much difference between your shots. I think there is a possibility they are both male (females tend to be paler). But a shot of the upper side would clinch it (m=yellow; f=white/green) - very hard to get this shot though.
Hedge

[Dogghound]

I agree that the top is a female and the bottom is a male.

[Ollie]

I would also agree the top is a female and the bottom a male. Excellent photos as well.

It's often very difficult to tell the males and females apart unless you see them together.

I was very lucky last week to photograph a male and female together. Female at the top in this photo and male at bottom
Roger

[Hedge Witch]

Originally Posted by Ollie

I would also agree the top is a female and the bottom a male. Excellent photos as well.

It's often very difficult to tell the males and females apart unless you see them together.

I was very lucky last week to photograph a male and female together. Female at the top in this photo and male at bottom
Roger

Great shot Roger - I size difference is also apparent.

[Ollie]

Hi Hedge Witch.

Yes it's surprising with insects and some birds how often the female is the larger of the two. The males are often the most colorful but females are often though not always the larger of the pair.
Roger

[Dae]

Thanks everyone for your great replies! Definitely informative,and helpful! Roger, thanks a lot for the photo example, that helps a lot!