Petaloudes

The Valley of the Butterflies ( Petaloudes ) (Greek Κοιλάδα των Πεταλούδων ) is located in the northwest of Dodekanesinsel Rhodes.

The valley can be accessed at three stations to prevent entry to the public. The valley floor is easily accessible via closed off paths, boardwalks and stairs. In this valley the endemic subspecies ( Callimorpha quadripunctaria rhodosensis ) is to meet the Russian bear in large numbers. Reason for this is that this valley is populated by a significant incidence of Oriental amber tree ( Liquidambar orientalis ), whose resin smell attracts the butterflies. Only at second glance you can see the rocks and logs covering resting butterfly swarms. Despite the existing masses a decline in the tiger moth population is observed, which is attributed to the interference by tourists. The butterflies are active with the exception of lunch time from mid-June to September. The living in shallow water crabs feed on the butterflies.

The trail

Besides butterflies are also lizards admire

In the stream these crabs are native.