![Photo: alta5.jpg](../pics/a/alta5.jpg)
NW Greece, August 2008
![Photo: alta2.jpg](../pics/a/alta2.jpg)
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
![Photo: alta3.jpg](../pics/a/alta3.jpg)
NW Greece, July 2016
![Photo: alta6.jpg](../pics/a/alta6.jpg)
![Photo: alta7.jpg](../pics/a/alta7.jpg)
Pelopennesos, Greece, August 2007
![Photo: alta4.jpg](../pics/a/alta4.jpg)
NW Greece, August 2008