Fire and Brimstone?
Well, just Brimstone this morning, thankfully. Today, we have seen a fantastic display of bright yellow wings brightening up the muddy woodland.
Did you know
The word Brimstone means sulphur and describes the striking male butterfly's acid yellow and green wings. Females are often mistaken for cabbage whites as they are a much paler creamy colour.
The original butterfly
Historians believe the word butterfly originates from the Brimstone butterfly. Our butter-coloured fly was once thought to bring happiness and good fortune.
And what's more
Brimstone butterflies hibernate during winter, camouflaging themselves in the trees to look like leaves. They have a natural anti-freeze in their blood, which helps them to survive, waking up at the first sign of spring.
Today, we encountered a colourful show of six Brimstones and two Peacock butterflies on our walk at Broadwater Warren, a beautiful first show of spring. Let us hope the good fortune will bring us an upturn in butterflies species this year.