During the rainy period, the butterflies live in the Mediterranean thicket in the caterpillar stage feeding on foliage.
At the end of the wet season, the caterpillars metamorphose into butterflies.
The butterflies are attracted by the aroma from the valleys Oriental Sweet gum trees.
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The butterflies spend the entire summer in the cool, humid habitat of the valley.
Then they mate during the last weeks of August and in September.
The baby butterflies pop out of their cocoons in spring spreading throughout the surrounding area.
In June they grow into full-blown butterflies.
Unfortunately, the valley is open to visitors and the increased foot traffic is straining the butterfly population.
The activity consumes valuable energy that cannot be replenished.
Many butterflies run out of energy and die before they could reproduce.
Sources:Rhodes Guide/Rhodes Travel/Discover Rhodes/Wikipedia
