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On the western side of the island of Rhodes, approximately five kilometers south east from the village of Theologos (or Tholos), there lies the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes). 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. They move constantly towards areas of highest humidity is greatest, always following the "water ways", as the dry period progresses, they finally arrive at the valley.
Unfortunately, over the last few years the population of the Panaxia has been constantly in decline, due to several factors, one of the most important being the disturbance by visitors. The butterfly has an atrophic peptic system, meaning 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 from the energy stored from their previous lives as caterpillars. The disturbance of visitors is forcing the butterflies to fly all day, consuming valuable energy. Visitors should not be denied the enjoyment of viewing the butterflies at rest, but it is prohibited to disturb them in any way (hand clapping, whistling etc).
| Valley of Butterflies Rhodes Greece photos |
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| What our members and visitors say |
 Honeymoon |
| posted on May 3, 2014 by Connie |
| Back in 1966 I spent my honeymoon on Rhodes. There were many great places to visit and Valley of Butterflies is one of the most memorable. An absolutely stunning visit with nature and those beautiful butterflies remain vivid after all these years. A must see if anywhere near the amazing island. |
| Hope to go back one day |
| posted on July 24, 2013 by Richard irons |
| Went there in 1972. I can still remember how beautiful the valley was. I hope to go back one day... |
| THE VISIT TO THE VALLEY OF THE BUTTERFLIES WAS FANTASTIC |
| posted on July 31, 2012 by ADELLE DUNBERG |
I VISITED THE ISLAND OF RHODES MANY YEARS AGO.
THE VISIT TO THE VALLEY OF THE BUTTERFLIES
WAS FANTASTIC. THE VARIOUS COLORS OF THE BUTTERFLIES LOOKED LIKE COLORED FLOWERS. A SHORT
TRIP TO TURKEY FROM RHODES WAS VERY INTERESTING |
| A brilliant place to go and see |
| posted on June 2, 2010 by John G |
| A brilliant place to go and see. Especially in the high season as you not only get to see the amazing wildlife (there is much more there than just the butterflies!) It is so cool down there in the shade! It's just a shame we lost our transport for an hour after we emerged at the far end and got a litte lost!!!!! |
| It's a magical place |
| posted on August 18, 2009 by No need for one |
| I'm not saying this because I'm Greek, but Valley of the Butterflies is the perfect place to take great pictures. I took 60 pictures there. The trees, the butterflies, the bridges... It's a magical place! |
| A must |
| posted on March 25, 2007 by Robson |
| Valley of the Butterflies is a must. We saw tree frogs and tree crabs. it was unbelieveable. even a turtle. Its so nice dont miss it. |
| Beautifull |
| posted on September 4, 2006 by maya |
| Fantastic, you must go there it is so beautiful, I recommend it. |
| Beautiful place |
| posted on February 9, 2004 by Mark |
| Beautiful place. We went there in August and saw the butterflies - its almost like a dream. |
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