National Butterfly - _TNY_7901
The brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni), known in many countries as the lemon butterfly, was chosen as the national butterfly of Sweden last year which I think is very fitting.
Not only is is spectacularily beautiful, but also very common both in large parts of the country, but also throughout the entire season.
The brimstones are early to begin flying in spring and they live unusually long so by the time the next generation has taken flight, the preceeding generation can often still be seen.
There is sexual dimorphism in these as the male, like this one on a heartleaf oxeye (Telekia speciosa) in my mother-in-law's garden, have a more yellow tone while the female are paler with a more greenish tone.
Here's a shot where the difference can be seen easily: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/51744984244/
National Butterfly - _TNY_7901
The brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni), known in many countries as the lemon butterfly, was chosen as the national butterfly of Sweden last year which I think is very fitting.
Not only is is spectacularily beautiful, but also very common both in large parts of the country, but also throughout the entire season.
The brimstones are early to begin flying in spring and they live unusually long so by the time the next generation has taken flight, the preceeding generation can often still be seen.
There is sexual dimorphism in these as the male, like this one on a heartleaf oxeye (Telekia speciosa) in my mother-in-law's garden, have a more yellow tone while the female are paler with a more greenish tone.
Here's a shot where the difference can be seen easily: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/51744984244/