Corisca, France, July 2012
Corisca, France, July 2012
Field notes and information
This attractive butterfly is found Corsica and Sardinia. It is not clear if it is a fully distinct species from the Elban heath, C. elbana as the resemblance is clear.
Identification & Similar species: Only the small heath C. pamphilus flies on these islands. The rich brown underside hindwing ground colour, white discal band and spotting are quite distinct.
Distribution & Flight: Endemic to Corsica and Sardinia. Flies from mid May to August.
Habitat & Behaviour: Very hot dry grassy places. We only found it at higher levels (above 1000m on Sardinia and 500m on Corsica) although it flies from sea level. It's found locally around Mt Gennargentu on Sardinia but we didn't find it commonly in May. Much commoner and widespread on Corsica in July.
Corsica, France, July 2012
Gennargentu, Sardinia, Italy, July 2015
Corisca, France, July 2012
Typical dry hillside habitat. Also here: Lasiommata paramegera, Hipparchia aristaeus.
Gennargentu, Sardinia, Italy, July 2015
Corsica, France, July 2012
Form found at higher altitudes.
Corsica, France, July 2012
With Plebejus bellieri.
Sardinia, Italy, May 2003
Gennargentu, Sardinia, Italy, July 2015
Gennargentu, Sardinia, Italy, July 2015
Corisca, France, July 2012
Corsica, France, July 2012