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Gonepteryx rhamni, also known as the common brimstone, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae. It lives throughout the Palearctic zone and is commonly found across Europe, Asia and north Africa. The butterfly relies on two species of buckthorn as hosts for its eggs and larvae which influences its geographic range and distribution, as these plants are commonly found in wetlands. After spending the summer feeding, adults travel to woodland areas to spend seven months hibernating. In spring when their host plants have developed, they return to the wetlands to breed and lay eggs. Both the larval and adult forms of Gonepteryx rhamni have protective coloration and behaviour that decreases their chances of being recognized and preyed upon.Photograph credit: Charles J. Sharp