Soria, Spain, July 2011
Soria, Spain, July 2011
Field notes and information
A local but widespread species with two distinct subspecies. This one flies in north Spain. Please see separate page for the norminate subspecies.
One sequence of photos here shows a rather gruesome sequence of events. The praying mantis has taken the butterfly and I found it cutting into the thorax while the insect was still struggling weakly to escape. Clearly there was no possibility of a happy ending and gradually the butterfly succumbed.
Identification & Similar species: The bright red-orange submarginal band and row of large spots on the underside hindwing are distinctive.
Distribution & Flight: Widespread but local in the northern half of Spain.
Habitat & Behaviour: Grassy flowery places with scrub. Flies in a range of conditions from hot dry to damp places.
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Soria, Spain, July 2011
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Montes Universales, Spain, August 2003
Montes Universales, Spain, August 2003
Lunch!