Cleopatra
VU

Cleopatra

Gonepteryx cleopatra

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonepteryx_cleopatra

Overview

Gonepteryx cleopatra, the Cleopatra or Cleopatra butterfly, is a medium-sized butterfly of the family Pieridae.

The Cleopatra butterfly faces mounting pressure from habitat loss and fragmentation as Mediterranean scrublands and woodlands are converted for agriculture and urban development. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the distribution and phenology of its host plants, while increased frequency of droughts and extreme weather events further threaten population stability across its range.

Threat summary

Habitat

Mediterranean scrublands, open woodlands, and maquis vegetation where buckthorn species (Rhamnus) grow, typically in hilly and mountainous areas up to 1,500m elevation. The species requires areas with abundant flowering plants for nectar sources and specific host plants for larval development.

Other threatened species in Pieridae

EN

Catasticta revancha

Unknown
Southern Small WhiteVU

Southern Small White

Pieris mannii

Unknown
Krueper's Small WhiteVU

Krueper's Small White

Pieris krueperi

Unknown
Gruner's Orange-tipVU

Gruner's Orange-tip

Anthocharis gruneri

Unknown

Threatened in Albania

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Anthophore estivaleCR

Anthophore estivale

Anthophora aestivalis

Unknown
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown
VU

Anthribus fasciatus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cleopatra classified as Vulnerable?
Cleopatra is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Cleopatra butterfly faces mounting pressure from habitat loss and fragmentation as Mediterranean scrublands and woodlands are converted for agriculture and urban development. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the distribution and phenology of its host plants, while increased frequency of droughts and extreme weather events further threaten population stability across its range.
Where does Cleopatra live?
Cleopatra occurs in Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Austria, Barbados, and Belgium (plus 26 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cleopatra?
The main threats to Cleopatra are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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