Common brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
The brimstone butterfly belongs to the family of whites and is therefore related to the cabbage whites. The butterflies have a wingspan of between 50 and 55 mm. On the upper side, the wings of the males are dark yellow in color and dotted with four orange spots. The females have a whitish color on the upper side. On the underside, both sexes are light yellow to yellow-green in color.
It is mainly found throughout Europe, northwestern Africa, and Central Asia as far as Mongolia. The alder buckthorn is considered the most important food plant for the caterpillars of the brimstone butterfly. Without this inconspicuous plant, there would be no new butterflies. The butterflies do not prefer any particular flowers, but are often found on thistles and carnations. In spring, however, dandelion flowers are also among the nectar plants.
~ The comon brimstone was voted “Butterfly of the Year 2002” ~
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
The C-butterfly bears its trademark on its wing. A “C” can be seen on the underside of the wing. It has a wingspan of between 40 and 50 mm. The upper side of the wings is orange in color and covered with black spots. The underside is covered with a dark brown spot pattern.
The caterpillars can reach a length of up to 30 mm. They have an orange-brown base color. The back of the caterpillars is whitish in color. The caterpillars’ main food sources include stinging nettles (Urtica dioica), goat willow (Salix caprea), and common hops (Humulus lupulus).
The habitat of these butterflies includes forest edges and bushes as well as gardens and parks. This butterfly species is commonly found in Central Europe. The butterflies can be found on berry bushes and butterfly bushes. Nectar sources in spring include flowering willows.
Purple emperor (Apatura iris)
The large purple emperor butterfly belongs to the family of noble butterflies. It has a wingspan of between 55 and 70 mm. The upper side of the wings is brown in color and decorated with a white band. The underside also has a brown base color and is decorated with an orange-black eye on each wing.
Dependent on the angle of the light, the color of the male butterfly changes to a blue shimmer. This is also responsible for the butterfly’s name. The caterpillars of the purple emperor butterfly are greenish in color and have two “upright horns.” Distinct yellow stripes are visible in the middle of the caterpillar.
~ The purple emperor was voted “Butterfly of the Year 2011” ~