Photo 1. A Cleopatra butterfly at Paržine Cove on Ilovik Island (Photo by M. Randić)

CLEOPATRA BUTTERFLY

The Cleopatra butterfly (Gonepteryx cleopatra) is native to the Mediterranean, where it is wide-spread. It is more brightly coloured than the common brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni). This fact confirms the rule that the farther south we go, from colder northern regions towards the warmer Mediterranean and tropical regions, the brighter are the colours of butterflies. The forewings of the male Cleopatra butterfly have a bright orange patch, unlike the forewings of the common brimstone, which are a pale, sulphur yellow colour.  

 M. R.