(Gonepteryx rhamni)
Neandertal, Germany – July 2019
At 12 months, the common brimstone butterfly has the longest life span of any butterfly in Central Europe. It is the only butterfly that hibernates freely in the vegetation. By the freezing point of its body fluids lowering substances, it is able to withstand frosts of up to minus 20° C, even if it is completely covered with snow.
In March the common brimstone butterflies become active again and in April a new life cycle begins with the laying of eggs.
