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Soria, Spain, July 2011
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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.
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Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
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Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
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Soria, Spain, July 2011
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Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
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Montes Universales, Spain, August 2003
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Montes Universales, Spain, August 2003
Lunch!