Hipparchia caroli on euroButterflies by Matt Rowlings

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Hipparchia caroli

Moroccan Rock Grayling

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

Middle Atlas, Morocco, June 2005

A separate species, H. caroli?

Middle Atlas, Morocco, June 2005

Field notes and information

Formerly considered a subspecies of the rock grayling H. hermione (formerly H. alcyone).

Identification & Similar species: In North Africa, only the Algerian grayling H. ellena from eastern Algeria is closely similar. That species has a pure white upperside band rather than the dusty cream of the current species. The ranges of these two species do not overlap however.

Distribution & Flight: Only from the Rif and Middle Atlas of Morocco. Single brooded from June into the autumn.

Habitat & Behaviour: As with many Hipparchia this species loves sitting on rocks. It searches for shade on tree trunks and in bushes in the heat of the day.