![Photo: oedippus1.jpg](../pics/o/oedippus1.jpg)
Central Alps, Italy, June 2004
![Photo: oedippus5.jpg](../pics/o/oedippus5.jpg)
Central Alps, Italy, June 2003
Field notes and information
A rare and seriously threatened species. As is usually the case, habitat destruction is responsible for the decline of a rare species.
I found it flying in an idyllic spot above Lake Como in 1997 in mid July. I revisited in the early season of 2003 when it was well out on mid summer's day, and probably had been flying for some weeks.
Identification & Similar species: The only similar species is the scarce heath C. hero which is equally rare and threatened. The species don't fly together and ranges overlap only in eastern France.
Distribution & Flight: Scattered colonies across France, north Italy, Austria, Hungry and Poland. Flies in June and July.
Habitat & Behaviour: Usually wet locations with grasses. Occasionally dry hillsides.
![Photo: oedippus2.jpg](../pics/o/oedippus2.jpg)
Central Alps, Italy, June 2004
Female with bigger hindwing spots than male.
![Photo: oedippus7.jpg](../pics/o/oedippus7.jpg)
![Photo: oedippus9.jpg](../pics/o/oedippus9.jpg)
![Photo: oedippus8.jpg](../pics/o/oedippus8.jpg)
Isère, France, July 2013
![Photo: oedippus4.jpg](../pics/o/oedippus4.jpg)
Central Alps, Italy, June 2004
Male.
![Photo: oedippus3.jpg](../pics/o/oedippus3.jpg)
Central Alps, Italy, June 2004
![Photo: oedippus6.jpg](../pics/o/oedippus6.jpg)
Central Alps, Italy, June 2003