Pieris ergane

Mountain Small White

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

copyright © 2003-2024

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Pirin Mts, Bulgaria, July 2004

Second brood with little dusting of black scales on underside

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013

Field notes and information

This is a small delicate butterfly. It is local in the west, more widespread in the Balkans. I've never found them to be common.

Identification & Similar species: Smaller and whiter than the small and southern small whites (P. rapae, P. mannii).Also lacks black markings on the underside forewing present in similar species.

Distribution & Flight: Mountains in sourthern Europe from Spain, France (v rare), Italy and becoming commoner in the SE. It flies in a series of broods from spring to summer.

Habitat & Behaviour: Open stony places, usually hot and dry, amongst scrub or forest openings. Are usually attracted to flowers.

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Macedonia, Greece, May 2004 (m)

First brood showing heavy scaling on the underside hindwing, a feature shared amongst the Artogeia.

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S Greece, July 2008

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Peloppensos, Greece, July 2018

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013

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S Greece, June 2013

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S Greece, June 2013

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013

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S Greece, June 2013