La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
Field notes and information
One of the 5 taxa formerly considered subspecies of H. wyssii but revealed as full species by DNA analysis.
Identification & Similar species: From the five western Canary Islands Spain. The following five very similar species can be identified by the island they inhabit:
H. tamadabae from Gran Canaria.
H. wyssii from Tenerife.
H. tilosi from La Palma.
H. gomera from Gomera.
H. bacchus from Hierro.
Distribution & Flight: Only flies on La Gomera where it is local on the northern slopes of the island at low levels. It is found in mid July and August.
Habitat & Behaviour: Inhabits lower levels below the dense Laurisilva forests. Flies amongst low scrub or rocky places. Frequently settles on the bare ground.
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
The only time I saw this butterfly feeding. Balsam spurge Euphorbia balsamifera.
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021