Brimstone

[Naturenutz]

Went out today,alot more butterflies about lately ,thankfully.Today saw meadow brown (many), small heath , gatekeepers (many) small tort (a few) Red admiral (1) but seen a few lately .marbled whites (many).Also saw a large brimstone,forgot how large they are ,thought it was a clouded yellow for a moment.Is it an odd time for brimstone in the uk ?

[aeshna5]

Brimstones are one of our longest lived butterflies, like Peacock + usually have 1 generation a year. The new adults usually emerge mid July- August, feed up on nectar + go into hibernation quite early on + don't breed until the spring. I guess yours today was probably a new individual slightly on the early side.

They regularly live 10 months or so as an adult, though severl of these months is usually spent in an inactive diapause.

[Naturenutz]

Thanks Aeshna,its certainly looked very fresh and very large

[GFM]

Saw a small Brimstone yesterday in Leeds, normally see them March /April.