For the first time in 109 years, researchers have discovered a new butterfly species in the Holy Land.
A new species of butterfly, known as “Acentria’s fritillary” (Melitaea acentria), was recently discovered flying over the slopes of the popular Mount Hermon ski resort in the Golan Heights.
These colorful insects, the first new butterfly species discovered in Israel in 109 years, were originally thought to belong to a different fritillary, but butterfly and moth experts were surprised to learn from that they were an entirely different species.
The beautiful butterflies can be seen flying between northern Israel, Syria and Lebanon.