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Vaud, Switzerland, July 2010
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2016
Field notes and information
A widespread and often very common species in grasslands across most of Europe and north Africa. Replaced in most parts of Spain by the Iberian marbled white M. lachesis.
Identification & Similar species: The forewing cell lacks a black cross bar which separates it from all other similar species except the Iberian marbled white, M. lachesis. In that species the cell is white right to the base and not shaded as in the current species. Also the hindwing cell is surrounded in white, not the broad black markings found in the current species.
Distribution & Flight: Flies across Europe from southern England to north Africa and eastwards to Italy, Greece and Poland. In Spain it is only found in the vicinity of the Pyrenees and the Basque country where there is an overlap with the Iberian marbled white M. lachesis.
Habitat & Behaviour: Flowery grasslands, usually dry on calcareous soils. They love to take nectar from purple knapweeds and thistles.
Variation: Very variable. Of particular note is a very black form magdalenae found in one or two valleys of north Italy.
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2020
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Vaud, Switzerland, June 2020
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2021
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S Greece, July 2018
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Huesca, Spain, July 2017
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Vaud, Switzerland, June 2020
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SE Serbia, June 2012
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NW Greece, July 2016
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Hautes-Pyrenées, France, July 2017
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NW Greece, July 2016
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2022
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2022
Close focus
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NW Greece, July 2016
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Geneva, Switzerland, June 2021