Rila Mts, Bulgaria, July 2004

Rila Mts, Bulgaria, July 2004

Field notes and information

This is a species of southeast Europe where it is local and not so easily found. The subspecies orientalis is now often raised to species rank.

Identification & Similar species: The uniform row of spots on the underside hindwing and a reddish submarginal band are characteristic.

Distribution & Flight: From northwest Greece to south Serbia and southwest Bulgaria. Southeast Romania. Flies June/ July.

Habitat & Behaviour: Generally rather lush grasslands in hot places.

Variation: The subspecies orientalis flies in the western part of the range in the Pindos Mountains of northern Greece to west Serbia. It has a broad white band inside the black spots on the underside hindwing.