Gonepteryx rhamni (Common Brimestone)

Gonepteryx rhamni – Common Brimestone (3) (click to enlarge)

The male Gonepteryx rhamni is known for its bright yellow coloration, while females display a paler, greenish tint that mimics leaves almost perfectly. Both sexes have prominent leaf-vein markings, providing excellent camouflage when they rest among foliage.

This species thrives in a variety of habitats in GHNP, ranging from open woodlands and meadows to scrubby slopes and riverbanks. The butterfly is typically found between 1,200 to 2,500 meters in elevation, where wildflowers and host plants such as buckthorn (Rhamnus species) are abundant.

Gonepteryx rhamni is especially known for its remarkable hibernation ability. Unlike most butterflies, it can survive cold winters by entering a dormant state, often hiding under leaves or in tree crevices until spring returns.

The life cycle begins when the female lays eggs on the undersides of host plant leaves. Once hatched, the caterpillars feed voraciously before pupating and transforming into adult butterflies. The Common Brimstone is a nectar lover, frequently seen visiting flowers like dandelions, clovers, and thistles in GHNP’s alpine meadows.

As a vital pollinator, Gonepteryx rhamni contributes to maintaining the rich floral diversity of the Himalayas. Its presence in GHNP is a key indicator of a healthy, undisturbed environment.