Gonepteryx Eversi
ExploreInsects
Gonepteryx Eversi
gonepteryx eversi
The Gonepteryx Eversi, also known as the Gomera Brimstone, is an exquisite and rare butterfly endemic to the misty laurel forests of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. Renowned for its remarkable crypsis, this insect features wings that flawlessly replicate the appearance, veins, and texture of a living green leaf. The species is highly adapted to the unique, moisture-rich microclimate of the Canary Laurisilva, where it plays an essential role as a native pollinator. Spotting one of these elusive butterflies flitting through the sun-dappled canopy of a volcanic ravine is a highly sought-after experience for entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike. Its persistence on a single island highlights the fragile ecological balance of the region's isolated ecosystems.
Habitat: Found in humid laurel forests (Laurisilva) and deep ravines on the island of La Gomera, often flitting around evergreen shrubs.
Appearance
Adults exhibit a distinct, leaf-like wing profile with strongly hooked tips on the forewings. Males feature a bright lemon-yellow base color with a subtle, warm orange blush on the forewings, while females display a more subdued, pale greenish-white coloration that enhances their leafy camouflage. Both sexes possess a small, distinctive orange-brown spot near the center of each wing, mimicking a blemish or fungal decay on a leaf, with a wingspan averaging 5 to 6 centimeters.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPieridaeGenusGonepteryx
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adults have an exceptionally long lifespan for a butterfly, living up to ten months by entering states of dormancy.
It is entirely endemic to the island of La Gomera, meaning you cannot find it wild anywhere else on Earth.
Its unique wing shape features pointed tips that perfectly mimic the veins and apex of a real leaf.
Special abilities
Ability
Leaf Crypsis
When resting with folded wings, this butterfly perfectly mimics a broad green leaf, complete with faux leaf veins, to evade predators.
Ability
Aestivation Dormancy
It can enter a dormant state during hot, dry summer months to conserve energy and survive periods of low nectar availability.
Ability
Targeted Host Detection
Females possess highly sensitive chemical receptors in their legs to precisely locate Rhamnus host plants for egg-laying.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 2-3 cm
- Wingspan
- 5-6 cm
- Weight
- 0.0001-0.0003 kg
- Lifespan
- 0-1 years
- Top Speed
- 15 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 30-100
- Incubation
- 5-10 days
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed strictly on the leaves of endemic buckthorn trees, while adults forage on the nectar of various forest flowers.
Age differences: Caterpillars feed exclusively on the foliage of host buckthorns, whereas adult butterflies consume liquid nectar.
Primary Foods
- Rhamnus glandulosa leaves
- Laurel forest nectar
- Wild flower nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
host plant
Balsam Buckthorn
Rhamnus glandulosa
Caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of this endemic shrub.
eaten by
Eurasian Blackcap
Sylvia atricapilla
Preys upon adult butterflies and caterpillars in the canopy.
competitor
Canary Red Admiral
Vanessa vulcania
Competes for nectar resources in the high-altitude flowering glades.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Gonepteryx Eversi?
The easiest way to identify Gonepteryx Eversi is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Gonepteryx Eversi?
2-3 cm
What is Gonepteryx Eversi's wingspan?
5-6 cm
How much does Gonepteryx Eversi weigh?
0.0001-0.0003 kg
How long does Gonepteryx Eversi live?
0-1 years
How fast can Gonepteryx Eversi move?
15 km/h
What does Gonepteryx Eversi eat?
Larvae feed strictly on the leaves of endemic buckthorn trees, while adults forage on the nectar of various forest flowers.
Where is Gonepteryx Eversi usually found?
Found in humid laurel forests (Laurisilva) and deep ravines on the island of La Gomera, often flitting around evergreen shrubs.
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