One of the richest agricultural estates in Menorca during the nineteenth century
Gonepteryx cleopatra is a medium sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 50-70 mm (2.0-2.8 inch). It is a sexually dimorphic
species - the female has pale yellow or greenish wings, 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 colour, 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.
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