N Sweden, June/ July 2010

N Sweden, June/ July 2010

Field notes and information

Very limited range in northern Arctic Scandinavia, it is common where found sometimes with hundreds of individuals being seen in a few hours in the field.

Until recently, this is was known as C. nastes werdandi. It seems that this is incorrect and the taxon present in Europe is infact C. tyche.

Identification & Similar species: In its range, the extensive dusting of grey scales separates this species from others.

Distribution & Flight: The butterfly has a very restricted distribution in Europe, flying only in the high mountains of northern Norway, and neighbouring Sweden and Finland. Found commonly (hundreds of individuals) across extensive areas of bog in north Sweden during our visits in 1999 and 2010.

Habitat & Behaviour: Flies across bogs from low to mid levels with or without open water and usually with trees in places... infact this defines the majority of the Arctic, but this species is local and the inaccessibility of this wilderness region makes it hard to find. Typical for Colias if flies strongly, stopping only occasionally.

N Sweden, June/ July 2010

N Sweden, June/ July 2010

N Sweden, June/ July 2010

N Sweden, June/ July 2010

N Sweden, June/ July 2010

N Sweden, June/ July 2010