New species of beautiful butterflies and orchids have been discovered on the Maltese islands
Scientific studies of the Maltese islands have discovered new species that have made the islands their home, including a gorgeous butterfly and a type of orchid that is endemic to Gozo.
The findings were announced by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), and include the Papilio machaon butterfly, also known as the Old World swallowtail, which is now one of Malta’s protected species.
Another intriguing discovery – new and exclusive to the sister island – is the Gozo Spider Orchid. It was discovered by botanist Stephen Mifsud during work he carried out for the Gozo Ministry earlier this year, and aptly named the now-protected plant Il-Brimba t'Ghawdex.
Lophelia pertusa, a cold-water coral that is typically found in the Atlantic was also discovered in Malta and added to the list of protected species. The Authority said that among the many species that made it to the list were other species of orchid, butterflies, coral and even sharks!