Picture ©2004, FBCP

Brimstone Moth - Opisthograptis luteolata

An occasional day flying moth sometimes confused with Clouded Yellow butterfly Colias crocea. The Brimstone Moth is a common and widespread species in Britain, with it's range extending into Europe. Wingspan of 30-46mm (1.2-1.8in), both wings are bright yellow with the forewings having brown wingtips and costa, also faint line markings or veining. Found in a wide range of habitats, the number of broods varies from 3 in the South to 1 in the North. Adults will be seen from April to October, larvae feed on a wide range of trees and shrubs preferring Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), they overwinter. The caterpillar is a red-brown or bright green, with two extra pairs of prolegs on the seventh and eighth segments and hump on the sixth.

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