Brimstone Butterfly Gonepteryx rhamni
The Brimstone is a large butterfly. It is a powerful flyer, with
a wingspan of up to 6 centimetres. The male is sulphur yellow in
colour and is unmistakable, however the pale lemon female can
sometimes be confused with a Large White butterfly when in
flight.
A single generation is produced each year. Caterpillars live
towards the end of spring on Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and
Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus). Buckthorn prefers chalky or lime
soils and Alder Buckthorn likes heavier and wetter soils. Brimstone
can establish breeding populations even where only a few of these
shrubs occur. The caterpillars develop quite quickly and
butterflies emerge from the pupae in early summer. The adults soon
hibernate in sheds, attics and hollow trees. The Brimstone will fly
more readily than other hibernating butterflies and can sometimes
be seen in November, December or January, although they normally
emerge from February onwards.
Current Status
The Brimstone is found in England and Wales. They are not often
seen above Cumbria in the west or the North York Moors in the east.
They are only found where Buckthorn is available for the larvae to
feed on. Brimstones breed within Hull in places where the larval
foodplant occurs.
Current Factors Affecting the Brimstone
The Brimstone has been affected by the loss of deciduous
woodland and hedgerow where the larval foodplant is traditionally
found.
Current Action
Legal Status
The Brimstone has no legal protection.
Management, Research and Guidance
Planting of Buckthorn has been encouraged within Hull through
'Gardening for Butterflies' talks and advice from Yorkshire
Butterfly Conservation (YBC) members. Butterfly Conservation is
also producing plans for 'Butterflies of the Wider Countryside'
which may include the Brimstone.
There is no organised recording of any specific areas or species
of butterfly in Hull.
Action Plan Aims
- To involve the people of Hull in Buckthorn planting and
Brimstone monitoring schemes, through community groups, schools
etc.
- To increase the number and distribution of Buckthorn plants in
Hull.
- To improve management of Buckthorn in hedges.
- To increase awareness of the Brimstone and other butterflies
within Hull.
- To monitor Buckthorn plants for Brimstone eggs and larvae.
What We Are Going to Do
Action
|
Target
|
Partner
|
Aim
|
|
Policy and Legislation
|
| Review of hedgerow management and planting schemes. |
Short Term: Review of hedgerow management.
Medium Term: Introduction of more wildlife-sensitive hedgerow
management.
Ongoing: Buckthorn to be planted in at least 20% of landscaping
schemes. |
KuHCC (Parks and Open Spaces) |
2, 3 |
|
Habitat Management and Protection
|
| Once Buckthorn is established it requires little management.
However there is evidence that Brimstone prefer younger plants so
continued planting should be encouraged. |
Ongoing: Continued planting of Buckthorn. |
KuHCC (Parks and Open Spaces), YBC |
2 |
| Cutting of hedges containing Buckthorn should be avoided from
April to July. |
Ongoing: Avoid cutting hedges between April and July |
KuHCC (Parks and Open Spaces) |
3 |
|
Advisory
|
| Provide advice on which species to plant to encourage Brimstone
and other butterflies. |
Medium Term: Produce leaflet on beneficial plants for
butterflies, distribute to garden centres. |
YBC |
4 |
|
Future Research and Monitoring
|
| Monitoring Buckthorn for evidence of eggs and larvae. |
Ongoing: Regular monitoring of Buckthorn for eggs/larvae. |
YBC |
5 |
|
Communications and Publicity
|
| Talks to raise awareness of butterflies and encourage
sympathetic management of their habitat. |
Ongoing: Give talks to raise awareness of Brimstone and other
butterflies and encourage planting of Buckthorn. |
YBC |
2, 4 |
What We Can All Do
Plant Buckthorn or Alder Buckthorn and it should soon be found by
local Brimstone butterflies who lay their eggs on these plants.
Look out for the distinctive Brimstone and check Buckthorn plants
for eggs/larvae in spring.
Send details of Brimstone sightings to the Biodiversity
Partnership.
Links With Other Action Plans
Management of Trees, Scrub and Hedgerows and action in Gardens
and Allotments will be important in providing larval food plants
for Brimstone allowing the population and distribution to
increase.
References
Asher, J. et al. (2000) The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in
Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Hofmann, H., Marktanner, T. (1995) Butterflies and Moths of
Britain and Europe. Harper Collins Publishers, London.
New, T.R. (1991) Butterfly Conservation. Oxford University
Press.