Camberwell Beauty

Nymphalis antiopa (Linnaeus, 1758)

Status

Description

A large distinctive black butterfly with a prominent cream coloured margin. The upperside also has a series of blue submarginal spots, although these are not so obvious against the black. Males and females are similar, and it can not be confused with any other species. 

Habitat Requirements

Little is known about the existence of this species in Corfu. It is possible that it is a local resident in the north eastern corner of the island, where trees associated with riverine habitats grow.

Larval Foodplants

Vicia cordata, White Poplar Populus alba, Black Poplar Populus nigra, Aspen Populus tremula, White Willow Salix alba, Grey Willow Salix cinerea, Bitter Willow/Olive Willow/Hoary Willow/Rosemary Willow/Elaeagnus Willow Salix elaeagnos, Crack Willow Salix fragilis, Almond Willow/Almond-leaved Willow Salix triandra, Pear Pyrus communis (cultivated), Small-leaved Elm Ulmus minor.

Observations

Very few records of this butterfly have been submitted by CBC members. It is a strong flyer and rarely stops. Probably the most frequent records come from CBC member Melody Lloyd, who has recorded it from her garden in Agios Markos, where it is attracted by the flowers of Buddleia davidii. All records are of singletons with the exception of reports from CBC member Virginya Woolf who believes she has seen multiple individuals simultaneously on the Corfiot island of Mathraki. Unfortunately, this did not come with photographic evidence.

*The information provided in the tables below is based on verified sightings of the Camberwell Beauty submitted via this website since 1st January 2021.

First and Last Sightings

Year First Last/latest # Days
2023 12/03/2023 17/06/2023 97 days
2022 03/11/2022 03/11/2022 0 days

Number of Observations

Year Number of observations
2023 5
2022 1
2021 0
Grand Total 6

Distribution Map

Distribution maps for this species are currently unavailable.

Flight Times for the Camberwell Beauty (2023)

The chart below shows flight data by month for 2023

Flight Times for the Camberwell Beauty (All Data)

The chart below shows flight data by month since 1st January 2021

Taxonomy

  • Vernacular/Common Name: Camberwell Beauty
  • Family: Nymphalidae (Rafinesque, 1815)
  • Sub-family: Nymphalinae (Rafinesque, 1815)
  • Tribe: Nymphalini (Rafinesque, 1815)
  • Genus: Nymphalis (Kluk, 1780)
  • Species: antiopa (Linnaeus, 1758)

References

For a list of references, please see our bibliography page.