www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

A single, male brimstone was drifting around the far side of a field I passed today. I didn't have time to wait for it to come close so these are very poor shots. But they show quite clearly it is an aberration. I'd be interested to know if anyone has seen something like this before:





Guy

Shame you weren't able to get ashot of the other side to see if it was symetrical. To me it looks like some kind of physical damage, perhaps on emergance? Just my opinion though.

Yes, I've seen marks a bit like that apparently caused by water droplets - usually on the upperside though where raindrops have been caught between the wings as the butterfly closed them to roost.

Dave

Thanks - that's a good thought.

Guy

I too have seen Brimstones with markings that look as though they may have been caused by some type of post-emergence event.

Given the longevity of the adults of this species, they probably accrue more 'collateral damage' than most.

I'd be truly amazed if this was a natural aberration, Guy. We'd be renaming it the 'Brimstone Ringlet'!