Approximately 26km south-west of Rhodes town is situated the famous Kilada ton Petaloudon – the Butterfly Valley. In the summer months, it is literally flooded with thousands of butterflies. They are attracted to the area by the sent of Oriental Sweetgum trees and they come to the area in search of respite from the heat. The most common is the Rhodes Butterfly, a rare subspecies of the Jersey Tiger Moth, whose scientific name is Euplagia quadripunctaria rhodosensis.
During the rainy period, the butterflies in the caterpillar stage remain in the Mediterranean thicket, feeding on the foliage. At the beginning of June, the caterpillar is transformed into a beautiful moth and moves towards the wetter areas. They arrive at the valley in order to reproduce.
As the moths cannot eat during this final phase of their life cycle, they rest here to conserve energy. The disturbance of visitors is forcing the butterflies to fly all day, consuming valuable energy. Observe them as they rest well camouflaged in black and yellow as disturbing them in any way is prohibited.
Enjoy a walk in this nature park with narrow rock walkways, lakes decorated by water-lilies, rustic bridges, running waters and resting places and visit the Natural History Museum to learn more about the Rhodes Butterfly Valley and its unique ecosystem.
