
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011

Vaud, Switzerland, August 2018
Field notes and information
A very widespread and common species over most of Europe and north Africa, absent only from the northern Arctic in this region.
Identification & Similar species: The lack of a submarginal line on the underside hindwing and the presence of small white centred brown spots are distinctive.
Distribution & Flight: Everywhere upto low alpine levels, except the northern Arctic. Flies in multiple generations depending on season, location and altitude in all warm months of the year.
Habitat & Behaviour: It likes fairly dry grassy places in a very wide range of situations. It flies erratically and close to the ground. When at rest it never opens its wings.
Variation: There are several variants that generally affect the underside hindwing. The ground colour can vary from grey to brown and the intensity of the markings can vary greatly.

Chalkidiki, Greece, May 2004
Unheard of until now...? At rest with wings open. I think the deformity of the thorax prevented it from closing its wings.


High Atlas, Morocco, August 2019

Middle Atlas, Morocco, August 2019

Vaud, Switzerland, April 2020

Valais, Switzerland, May 2022

Valais, Switzerland, July 2022

Sicily, Italy, May 2018

Corsica, France, July 2012

Peloppensos, Greece, July 2018

Valais, Switzerland, June 2011

Valais, Switzerland, April 2017

Valais, Switzerland, July 2006


Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011

Var, France, April 2007

Valais, Switzerland, June 2006

Valais, Switzerland, May 2012

Valais, Switzerland, June 2013

Vaud, Switzerland, June 2012

Cote d'Or, France, June 2005

Var, France, May 2004