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Two male brimstones chasing the same female

 

In spring we can meet yellow as well as white butterflies flying around. Despite the apparently large difference in colour it is the same butterfly – the brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni).

 

The difference in colour depends on the gender of the butterfly – males are dark yellow, announcing sunshine and a warm summer.

 

The wing colour of female brimstones is clearly paler, with a whitish-green hue. A brimstone flying in bright sunshine can leave the impression of a white butterfly.

 

Although people of old said that meeting a white butterfly in spring means a difficult summer, don’t despair. Follow the flying white butterfly until it settles down for a rest. On closer study of the female brimstone it turns out that it too is actually yellow. And looking at the brimstone wing in magnification a delicate green tint adds to the yellow.

 

 In close-up view an underlying  greenish tint emerges on the wings of the brimstone

 

In early spring the brake is on but on the warm weekend spring butterflies should certainly be out.

 

See Part I about spring butterflies to refresh your memory : LINK