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Field Notes

Crete, June 2004

Male

Crete, June 2004

Female

Crete, June 2004

Gynandromorph - yellow orange parts are male, the pale green is female

Crete, June 2004

Underside of above gynandromorph.
Extent of femaleness is much less on this surface.

High Atlas, Morocco, July 2005

Pelopennesos, Greece, June 2002

The only possible way to capture the stunning upperside of the male

Pelopennesos, Greece, June 2002

The same male as above before flight

Var, France, April 2004

Pelopennesos, Greece, June 2002

A roosting male

Pelopennesos, Greece, June 2002

Female

The males are a stunning insect. Their bright orange uppersides flash against the yellow ground colour. Unfortunately this species never opens its wings when settled so view of the orange uppersides are restricted to lucky moments on video. The females are large and of a pale apple green. Both sexes have much more rounded wings, particularly the hindwing than its close relatives the Brimstone and Powdered Brimstone, G. rhamni and G. farinosa. Also the forewing apical hook is much reduced in this species.

This is a southern European species that extends as far north as Isère in France. It is very conspicuous so it is easy to spot even when driving.

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