On the western side of the island of Rhodes, approximately five kilometres south east of the village of Theologos, lies the Valley of the Butterflies. This is one of the most attractive destinations on the island. During August, thousands of butterflies of the genus Panaxia (species Quadripunctaria Poda) swarm into the valley in order to reproduce. During the rainy period, the butterflies, still in the caterpillar stage, remain in the Mediterranean thicket (arbutus, myrtle and rush) feeding on the foliage. As the end of the wet season approaches, towards the end of May, the final stage is concluded and the butterfly, in all her perfection, makes her appearance in the form recognizable to us all. The butterflies move constantly towards the areas of highest humidity, always following the “water ways”, and as the dry period progresses, they finally arrive at the valley. The butterfly has an atrophic peptic system, meaning it has no stomach. From May until the mating period (for the males), and until the egg lying period (for the females) they do not eat. They survive using the energy stored from their previous lives as caterpillars. Unfortunately, the disturbance caused by visitors is forcing the butterflies to fly all day, consuming valuable energy.
Valley of Butterflies
