Rhodes, Greece, May 2017
Rhodes, Greece, May 2017
Field notes and information
A rather beautiful brightly coloured grayling. It is confined to southeast Europe where it can be common.
The subspecies amalthea has been split from anthelea based on DNA studies and some minor morphological differences.
Identification & Similar species: The underside white markings are distinctive. The females are completely different from the males - much larger, lacking the white underside band and is generally much browner than the male.
It is very similar to the Balkan banded grayling P. amalthea. Distribution can separate these species in the field.
Distribution & Flight: From the Greek islands and eastwards. The subspecies amalthea from the southern balkans has been raised to specific rank P. amalthea - see separate species page. Flies early in the year for this group of graylings, from the end of May to early July.
Habitat & Behaviour: Hot dry grassy places, from low levels amongst scrub and light woodland to very dry rocky stony places above the tree line.
Variation: The Greek islands host the subspecies anthelea which is whiter than the subspecies amalthea from the Greek mainland.
Samos, Greece, June 2018
Rhodes, Greece, May 2017
Samos, June 2002
Unusual view - a flick of the wings revealing the upperside. Note dark scent band on forewing only found in males.50
Crete, Greece, June 2018
Samos, Greece, June 2018
Rhodes, Greece, May 2017
Samos, June 2002
Samos, Greece, June 2018
Samos, Greece, June 2018
Samos, Greece, June 2018
Crete, June 2004
Samos, June 2002