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)