Canary Brimstone (Gonepteryx cleobule)

This butterfly is endemic to Tenerife and Gran Canaria and is found in laurisilva laurel and fayal-brezal firetree and heath forests, and potential areas of this woodland, as well as among thermophile vegetation and damp pine forests. This butterfly is present throughout the year but is most common in spring and summer. The caterpillars feed exclusively on Rhamnus glandulosa and Rhamnus crenulata. Wingspan varies from 58-64 mm, the wing planes of the male are bright yellow, and the forewings are pale orange with a tiny orange patch in the discal area of each wing. The female’s wings are a paler shade of orange. The Canary brimstone belongs to a complex of species made up of another two endemic species closely associated with laurisilva laurel forests: G. palmae (La Palma) and G. eversi (La Gomera).