On July 4, I took advantage of one of those typical summer days to escape the city routine and spend some time in nature. In Alfafar, Penela (Coimbra). It was a hot day, the sky was clear, and the light was perfect for photography.
My attention eventually turned to a beautiful cluster of Nile lilies (Agapanthus), whose blue-violet hues contrasted with the seasonal landscape.
An unexpected visitor decided to land right in front of me: the elegant Cleopatra butterfly. For a few minutes, it remained still, feeding on the nectar and allowing me to appreciate every detail at my own pace.
Gonepteryx cleopatra is a species native to the Mediterranean region and can be seen throughout most of the summer.
Although its colors are vivid when viewed up close, when at rest its wings mimic a leaf, providing it with excellent camouflage against predators. It is considered one of the best examples of camouflage in the insect kingdom.
This butterfly belongs to the Pieridae family, and unlike other butterflies that live only a few weeks, Gonepteryx cleopatra can live up to a year. Although it is not as efficient as bees, it plays an important role in pollinating countless wild and ornamental plants.
| INFO | DATA |
|---|---|
| 🔎 Name | Cleopatra Butterfly |
| 🦋 Latin name | Gonepteryx cleopatra |
| 📅 Observation date | July 4, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Alfafar, Coimbra. Portugal |
| 🌎 Latitude | 40.06350 |
| 🌍 Longitude | -8.42955 |
| 📸 Camera | Fuji X-T3 |
| 🔭 Lens | Fujinon Aspherical 18-55 mm |
| 🔗 Link | https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/382124140 |
| 👤 Photographer |  @cryptoreforma |