Cyprus butterflies

April 22-27, 2012: A few early butterflies were seen at low levels in the south-west of the island. Close to the coast, the Paphos Blue was very frequent and Cyprus Meadow Browns were seen occasionally. Further inland Eastern Festoons were found in leafy places where their larval foodplant Aristolochia sempervirens occurs. One very flowery area near Kedares also had a resident Swallowtail. Clouded Yellows and Common Blues were also seen but failed to perch long enough for a photograph to be taken.

Eastern Festoon (male, both above)

Paphos Blue (male above, female below)

Swallowtail (above)

Cyprus Meadow Brown (above)

Wall Brown (above)

BUTTERFLY: Paphos Blue (Glaucopsyche paphos) in Cyprus

April 7, 2011:
Near Kidasi in the Dhiarizos valley fifteen kilometres to the east of Paphos, this endemic Spring butterfly was flying in good numbers although disinclined to settle. When it did so briefly to take nectar from a bright yellow crucifer there was just chance for a photograph.




In Cyprus to where it is endemic it is common although found mostly in the west and south of the island on the warm chalky garrigue. Its larval foodplant comprises various species of Genista (brooms) which are usually thorny bushes. The butterfly photographed here is a male and exhibits a bright blue upperside with a black band around the margin and the characteristic greyish underside with large black spots ringed in white in the post-discal area of the forewing.