Any other pale butterflies than brimstones?

[Africa]

Yesterday I was inside when I saw a butterfly, large and pale fly close to the conservatory window. I rushed outside but the butterfly was nowhere to be seen. I was wondering if Large whites could be seen this early. If not, maybe the only possibility is a female brimstone...

[Jason Green]

Hmmm... tough without a photo but I'd err towards F. brimstone personally... I don't think the cabbages are out yet so I'd say you were right in Brimstone.

[goosey]

Holly Blues - Celastrina argiolus can be found on the wing this time of year and are pale?

[Susie]

If you look on the butterfly conservation website you will see that both large and small whites have already been seen this year. It was probably a female Brimstone though, which can appear far less yellow than the male.

[RobinP]

Small White is a possibility at this time of year, f.Brimstone can easily be mistaken for Large White on the wing, I've done it myself I doubt Holly Blue could be mistaken for anything other than a 'blue' and it is a bit early for them.

[Lance Morgan]

My guess would be a female Brimstone as they are most likely to be seen this in Spring having hibernated and temperature warming up abit now.

[Ukwildlifeo]

Ive seen plenty of brimstones in the last couple of days and I would imagine its the most likely candidate

[Susie]

I saw around a dozen brimstones today so they are out in numbers now.

[CHASSYP]

I had the same yesterday!! Didnt get a good look at it but seemed very green! However, the chance of Clouded Yellow surviving wintering is pretty slim,I would have thought. The deep frost we had surely would have seen them off? Your guess is as good as anyones I reckon. The Blue is a it of a stab, as the size would be a give away I reckon. Anway, lets pray for a dryer year, and that the population increases this time. Heres a strange one for you...Mountain Ringlet at sea level last year!! Honest. Best regards.

[Africa]

Thanks everybody! I think it was probably a female brimstone, but it was too fast for comfort. Fortunately, I saw a male on saturday, so I will report this one as first of the year.