NW Greece, August 2008

Pelopennesos, Greece, August 2007

Field notes and information

Confined to S Italy and southern Balkans. It is one of 3 cryptospecies, separated by DNA and male genitalia, that are indistinguishable by external characteristics. For more information see M. proto, Western sage skipper.

Identification & Similar species: See M. proto Western sage skipper from which it is indistinguishable.

Distribution & Flight: Southern Italy, mainland Greece and neighbours in the southern Balkans. Flies in a single brood from April to October, usually (?) peaking in the summer.

Habitat & Behaviour: Hot dry grassy stony places, usually amongst scrub. In the summer drought of the Mediterranean, this species is often the only butterfly flying in very hot dry "dead" locations

NW Greece, July 2016

Pelopennesos, Greece, August 2007

NW Greece, August 2008