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Mrs Brimstone


Mrs Brimstone
Photo Information
Copyright: Julian Dowding (julian) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 54 W: 0 N: 119] (585)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-07
Categories: Insects
Camera: Canon 20D, Tamron 90mm macro
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-05-29 16:15
Viewed: 453
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
A quick crop shot of one of my favourite species, the Brimstone.
Known to fly miles in search of egg laying sites. this fact can be used to help bring Brismtones into your area. Simply plant Buckthorn and the butterfly will do the rest. A number of us in East Suffolk( UK) have done just this and now we have Brimstones with us every year- a real harbinger of Spring when they emerge from hibernation after the long cold dark days of Winter and of course they remain with us until the Summer brood-their offspring- hatch some time in June or July. We have planted over 4000 bushes on about 200 sites. Some of these are in gardens with as few as 1 to 3 bushes. Other sites contain as many as 200 Buckthorns of both varieties, Alder and Common or Purgin Buckthorn. The bush itself was widely used in old medicines as both a laxative and purgative. Dosage was worked out to about 1 berry per adult. Don't try this at home though -you would not want to get the dosage wrong.

Brimstone butterfly, yellow-bird butterfly
Gonepteryx rhamni
These bright yellow butterflies are often the first butterflies to be seen in spring.



Physical Description
Male brimstone butterflies have sulphur-yellow forewings and hindwings with an orange central spot. The female's fore- and hindwings are a delicate yellow or pale green with an orange central spot. Both butterflies have greenish veined underwings.

Caterpillars are bluish-green with a pale line low down on each side. The pupa looks like a curled leaf.



Distribution
They are widespread throughout Europe and North Africa.



Habitat
Brimstones are found in woodland and gardens.



Diet
The caterpillars feed on buckthorn and alder buckthorn. The adults can be seen in meadows, sipping nectar from teasel, knapweed and buddleia.



Behaviour
New adults emerge from their chrysalids in July and live until the following July. Adults hibernate over winter in woodlands and emerge on warm spring days. Last year's brimstones are often the first butterflies to be seen in spring.



Reproduction
Pairing in early spring is followed by a long courtship prior to mating. After mating the female lays pale green eggs on the undersides of buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus) and alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus) leaves. If the leaves haven't yet opened, eggs will be laid on twigs or leaf buds. The eggs soon turn darker and finally become a dull grey before the tiny caterpillars hatch some 10 days later and feed hungrily on the fleshy leaves.



Conservation status
Brimstone butterflies are common in most of the UK. They have been spreading in recent years, particularly in northern England. They are protected in Northern Ireland but they are not listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List 2000.



Notes
It is thought by some that the term butterfly originally referred to this insect because of its butter-like yellow colouring. There is little agreement on this matter, other theories stating that the name refers to the butter-coloured faeces of butterflies or to the mediaeval myth that witches transformed into butterflies to steal butter.
nglen, JoseMiguel, Proframe, XOTAELE has marked this note useful
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To JoseMiguel: Brimstonejulian 1 05-29 22:01
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1995 W: 5 N: 5588] (21102)
  • [2007-05-29 16:19]

Hi Julian. A very nice shot of the butterfly. good detail and colour. great focus on the head rather than the plant. a nice POV. on the green background. well done TFS. great notes to.
Nick..

Hi Julian,
A very impressive capture!
I like so much the clear and sharp details got on the insect, specailly on the antennas and the wing's nerves nad textures.
You had created a very contrasting image here, with the green, the yellow and the light purple of the flower.
Did you use Neat Image? I'm curious about the flat green on the background.
Congratulations and thanks for share it.
My best regards,
JM

  • Great 
  • Hil Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 744 W: 11 N: 1412] (4849)
  • [2007-05-29 17:26]

Hi Julian,

Superb shot of the Brimstone, great pose and POV, I really like your composition with the tight crop proving very effective, lovely colours and lighting and nice sharp detail.

TFS Hilary :o)

Very beautiful macro image Julian.
I just love close-up shots like this one.
Sharpness, exposure and clarity are perfect and the details, colors and soft BG are most wonderful.
Excellent work. Best regards, Harry

Hola Julián.
Preciosa presentación, con unos colores geniales.
Buen encuadre y fabulosos detalles.
Saludos y tfs, JL.

Like the bold crop on this Julian with excellent detail and colour. Best, Brat.

  • Great 
  • Krima Gold Star Critiquer [C: 60 W: 5 N: 7] (8)
  • [2007-05-30 17:37]

WOW!! Beautiful!!!

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