A MAGNIFICENT CREATURE
ENDEMIC TO CYPRUS
The number of butterfly species in Cyprus varies as discoveries of species new to the island take place every so often. Currently 57 butterfly species have been documented for Cyprus (John & Makris, 2023) and of these, a number are endemic to the island. The Paphos Blue (Glaucopsyche paphos) is one such butterfly and it is common throughout much of Cyprus, being found in the Akamas region in the west, and south of the island from Paphos to Zygi, and with occasional observations elsewhere. The Paphos Blue also maintains a presence throughout the Troodos and Pentadaktylos Mountains and all along the northern coast from Cape Kormakitis to Cape Apostolos Andreas. Sightings of this butterfly are commonplace, mainly from March to May and are usually to be seen in areas that supports its larval host plant, Prickly Broom (Genista fasselata). This bush normally has bright yellow flowers and small dark green rounded leaves that are lost during the hot summer, exposing its sharp woody grey prickles.Â
MATING SEASON
At coastal and lowland sites the mating season of this butterfly typically begins in March but is later at higher (cooler) elevations, where the Paphos Blue may be seen into June. During this time, the males search for females in areas where Broom is present. After mating, the females lay their eggs on most parts of the host plant, the eggs hatching into caterpillars after about five days, which then feed on the leaves before each transforms into a pupa (the third stage of metamorphosis) before emerging as the adult butterfly in spring of the following year. The main food source for the adults is nectar from the local flora, which includes a variety of wild herbs. Â
A BRIGHT POWDER BLUE
Males are recognisable by the bright powder blue colour of the wing uppersides that span around three centimetres. Females on the other hand are slightly smaller and remain a subdued brown or grey colour. However, the butterfly is best identified by a series of large black spots (known as ocelli), ringed in white, on the underside of the forewing. The species derives its popular name from that of the scientific name, the latter, first used in 1920 by an entomologist named Chapman. The butterfly, although currently thriving, faces potential threats and these include habitat loss. This is mainly due to the construction of new roads, buildings, and other infrastructure projects. Agriculture and tourism have also disrupted some areas in which the butterfly has been found. Despite this, its numbers are still healthy and it is considered that many hundreds of thousands of these magnificent creatures still populate the island.Â
CONSERVATION
The Paphos Blue Butterfly is often used as a symbol of natural heritage and has helped various organisations highlight the importance of preserving the island’s rich biodiversity. The butterfly’s natural beauty and ecological significance make it a valuable asset to the country and efforts to protect and conserve this species will help ensure its future. As with all butterflies, one of the key challenges faced by the Paphos Blue is total dependence on its larval host plant. While some butterfly larvae accept a wide range of food plants, the Paphos Blue feeds only on broom, therefore destruction of the habitat in which Broom flourishes leads to the local extinction of the butterfly. The Paphos Blue Butterfly is the focus of ongoing research aimed at understanding its ecology and behaviour; these studies constantly work to monitor the butterfly population and to develop effective conservation strategies. Scientists and conservationists constantly work to identify the specific needs of butterflies and their host plants, as well as effectively identify new factors that threaten their survival. Conservation efforts may include habitat restoration, regular monitoring programmes and general public awareness campaigns. Conservation efforts may also include the establishment of protected areas, where the butterfly and its habitat are strictly monitored and managed.
