Brimstone Butterfly

Gonepteryx

Gonepteryx is a genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae; there are about 15 species of Gonepteryx. They live in Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. They are commonly known as brimstones for the bright yellow colour of the wings of most species. These share the same name as the much larger tropical genus Anteos. These inhabit much of central and South America and also North America. This species are known for being the kings of butterfly longevity. 10–13 months is the lifespan for many temperate species. Anteos, however, is much shorter lived. The adults will often mimic ivy leaves at rest. Male brimstone butterflies can withstand cooler temperatures and are able to fly after just 4 months in hibernation. Female brimstone butterflies need warmer climates to survive, and therefore are in hibernation longer. The male butterflies have a longer life span as they are more resilient to a wider range of temperatures, unlike the female.

Butterfly

Butterflies are winged insects from the lepidopteran superfamily Papilionoidea, characterised by large, often brightly coloured wings that often fold together when at rest, and a conspicuous, fluttering flight. The oldest butterfly fossils have been dated to the Paleocene, about 56 million years ago, though molecular evidence suggests that they likely originated in the Cretaceous.

brimstone

Noun

1. The sulfur of hell; hell, damnation.
2. Sulfur.

butterfly

Noun

1. A flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, distinguished from moths by their diurnal activity and generally brighter colouring. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}

Verb

1. To cut (food) almost entirely in half and spread the halves apart, in a shape suggesting the wings of a butterfly.
2. To cut strips of surgical tape or plasters into thin strips, and place across (a gaping wound) to close it.