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The Brimstone Butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni) is of the family Pieridae which is in genus Gonepteryx. It occurs in Europe, Asia and parts of northern Africa. The presence of its larval host plants, Alder Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) and Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus carthartica) influences its geographic range and distribution.
The Irish Brimstone Butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni subspecies G. r. gravesi) is endemic to Ireland. This hardy species can
live for up to a year. There are two flight seasons, March to mid June and July to mid September. It
then goes into hibernation and emerges in early spring the following year.
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds
Reference and very highly recommended reading:
The Irish Butterfly Book available directly from the author Jesmond M. Harding ISBN 978-0-9560546-1-6