22-1-2024 PARCENT, ALICANTE - CLEOPATRA BUTTERFLY (Gonepteryx cleopatra)

Cleopatra butterfly, is a medium-sized butterfly of the family Pieridae.

Gonepteryx cleopatra is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 50–70 mm (2.0–2.8 in). It is a sexually dimorphic species; the female has pale yellow or greenish wings, whereas the male is darker yellow with an orange patch on the forewing. Both sexes have a forewing apical hook and brown dots in the center of each wing, and the underside of wings is light greenish yellow. The greenish color, the shape and the pronounced venation on the hindwings give to these butterflies a good camouflage, making them resemble just leaves.

The Cleopatra butterfly inhabits open woodland and scrub. The flight period is from May to August in most parts of its range, except Spain, where it is double brooded and may fly almost all year. The adult hibernates in evergreen trees and shrubs. The caterpillars feed on the buckthorns Rhamnus alaternus. When the green caterpillars are prepared to pass to the pupal stage, they tie themselves through a silk belt to the host plant, on the underside of a leaf. The green chrysalis became gradually yellow and red, revealing the colors on the wings of the adult close to flutter.

This species is native to the Mediterranean region (Southern Europe, North Africa and West Asia).

13-11-2023 MERLA, ALICANTE - CLEOPATRA BUTTERFLY (Gonepteryx cleopatra)

Gonepteryx cleopatra, the Cleopatra or Cleopatra butterfly, is a medium-sized butterfly of the family Pieridae.

Gonepteryx cleopatra is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 50–70 mm (2.0–2.8 in). It is a sexually dimorphic species; the female has pale yellow or greenish wings, whereas the male is darker yellow with an orange patch on the forewing. Both sexes have a forewing apical hook and brown dots in the center of each wing, and the underside of wings is light greenish yellow. The greenish color, the shape and the pronounced venation on the hindwings give to these butterflies a good camouflage, making them resemble just leaves.

The Cleopatra butterfly inhabits open woodland and scrub. The flight period is from May to August in most parts of its range, except Spain, where it is double brooded and may fly almost all year. The adult hibernates in evergreen trees and shrubs. The caterpillars feed on the buckthorns Rhamnus alaternus. When the green caterpillars are prepared to pass to the pupal stage, they tie themselves through a silk belt to the host plant, on the underside of a leaf. The green chrysalis became gradually yellow and red, revealing the colors on the wings of the adult close to flutter.

This species is native to the Mediterranean region (Southern Europe, North Africa and West Asia).

2-8-2021 SPACE MUSEUM, CUENCA - CLEOPATRA BUTTERFLY (Gonepteryx cleopatra)

Gonepteryx cleopatra, the Cleopatra or Cleopatra butterfly, is a medium-sized butterfly of the family Pieridae.

Gonepteryx cleopatra is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 50–70 mm (2.0–2.8 in). It is a sexually dimorphic species; the female has pale yellow or greenish wings, whereas the male is darker yellow with an orange patch on the forewing. Both sexes have a forewing apical hook and brown dots in the center of each wing, and the underside of wings is light greenish yellow. The greenish color, the shape and the pronounced venation on the hindwings give to these butterflies a good camouflage, making them resemble just leaves.

22-8-2021 SPACE MUSEUM, CUENCA - CLEOPATRA BUTTERFLY (Gonepteryx cleopatra)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/123815-Gonepteryx-cleopatra

Gonepteryx cleopatra, the Cleopatra or Cleopatra butterfly, is a medium-sized butterfly of the family Pieridae.

Gonepteryx cleopatra is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 50–70 mm (2.0–2.8 in). It is a sexually dimorphic species; the female has pale yellow or greenish wings, whereas the male is darker yellow with an orange patch on the forewing. Both sexes have a forewing apical hook and brown dots in the center of each wing, and the underside of wings is light greenish yellow. The greenish color, the shape and the pronounced venation on the hindwings give to these butterflies a good camouflage, making them resemble just leaves.

The Cleopatra butterfly inhabits open woodland and scrub. The flight period is from May to August in most parts of its range, except Spain, where it is double brooded and may fly almost all year. The adult hibernates in evergreen trees and shrubs. The caterpillars feed on the buckthorns Rhamnus alaternus. When the green caterpillars are prepared to pass to the pupal stage, they tie themselves through a silk belt to the host plant, on the underside of a leaf. The green chrysalis became gradually yellow and red, revealing the colors on the wings of the adult close to flutter.

This species is native to the Mediterranean region (Southern Europe, North Africa and West Asia).

7-7-2021 EL ROMERAL, LA MANCHA - CLEOPATRA BUTTERFLY (Gonepteryx cleopatra)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/123815-Gonepteryx-cleopatra

 

29-7-2019 SAN ANDRES RESERVOIR, ASTURIAS - CLEOPATRA BUTTERFLY (Gonepteryx cleopatra)

29-12-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CLEOPATRA BUTTERFLY (Gonepteryx cleopatra)

A striking butterfly, the male is bright yellow with conspicuous orange forewings which are clearly visible in flight and make it unmistakable. Unfortunately the species never opens its wings when settled, but with patience and luck it is possible to capture the upperside as a butterfly takes off from a flower.

Identification & Similar species: The bright orange of the male upperside forewing is unmistakable. It is replaced by similar species on the Canary Islands. The female is very similar to other Gonepteryx species, wing shape may help but this is a variable feature and may not always be reliable.

Distribution & Flight: South Europe northwards to south France and north Africa. Hibernated specimens fly in early spring. A second brood is possible, but usually it is only single brooded.

Habitat & Behaviour: Bushy places with flowers. Can often be seen patroling woodland edges and hedges.

Variation: Wing shape in the female is variable, sometimes making this feature unreliable for identification purposes.