Bouches du Rhône/ Var, France, July/ August 2010
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Field notes and information
Dramatic "dazzle" camouflage markings very effectively break up the shape of this butterfly. Even when the butterfly is seen settling on the ground, often in the shade of a low shurb or tuft of grass, it is very difficult to find.
Identification & Similar species: There are no similar species.
Distribution & Flight: North Africa, Spain and Portugal and Mediterranean France. Often local but widespread and can be common. Flies in high summer from July to September.
Habitat & Behaviour: Very hot dry stony grassy places with bushes. Sits on very hot rocks angling its wings directly into the sun to minimise heat intake and also to avoid casting a shadow that could give its position away to predators.
Huesca, Spain, July 2017
Malaga, Spain, May 2019
Huesca, Spain, July 2017
Bouches du Rhône/ Var, France, July/ August 2010
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Middle Atlas, Morocco, September 2001
Bouches du Rhône, France, July 2009
Habitat. Butterflies hide in undergrowth and shade in the typically very hot dry conditions.
Bouches du Rhône, France, July 2009
Hiding in undergrowth and shade in very hot dry conditions.
Bouches du Rhône, France, July 2009
Bouches du Rhône/ Var, France, July/ August 2010
Bouches du Rhône, France, July 2009