Gonepteryx cleopatra

BUTTERFLY INFO

Gonepteryx cleopatra is a butterfly of the family Pieridae on the island of Crete, Greece.

Scientific name

Gonepteryx cleopatra (Linnaeus, 1767)

Common name

Cleopatra

Family: Pieridae > Subfamily: Coliadinae >  Genus: Gonepteryx

Wingspan

Male to female: 55-60 mm

Appearance

It is a sexually dimorphic species. The butterflies are yellow-colored; males have yellow wings with additional orange-red covering most of the upperside forewing. Females have light yellow or greenish wings.

Both sexes have a forewing apical hook and brown dots in the center of each wing.

Populations in Crete have a slightly different appearance in comparison to the rest area of Greece.

Behavior

The butterfly never rests with wings open. The greenish color, the shape, and the pronounced venation on the hindwings give this butterfly a good camouflage, making it resemble just leaves.

Habitat

Gonepteryx cleopatra in Crete can be found in fields, dry woods, mountains, clearings, gardens, and seasides.

Food plant

The larva feeds on Rhamnaceae (Rhamnus) plants.

Flight period

The butterfly flies in one generation per year.

Remarks

Both males and females are medium-large butterflies. The butterfly has a unique appearance in Crete and can’t be confused with other butterflies of the island.

Status*

Least Concern (LC)

(*European Red List of Butterflies, 2010)