When you visit Menorca, the most noticeable natives are the ones fluttering through the air, or feeding on the island’s lush vegetation: butterflies. With over 25 species present on the island, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to observe these delicate and beautiful insects. To get a head start on exploring, familiarise yourself with some of the species that call the island their home.
Cleopatra (Gonepteryx cleopatra) – This regally-named butterfly is relatively common on the island, as well as across Europe and North Africa. Though this species tends to hibernate in evergreen trees during the colder months, in hospitable climates like Spain and the Balearics it may fly all year round. Males are easy to spot by their sunny yellow wings with bright orange patches. Females are a little trickier – their yellow-green veined wings make them look almost exactly like leaves!