Kozani, Greece, May 2004

Kozani, Greece, May 2004

Field notes and information

A local species, rather hard to find on the Greek mainland and neighbouring FYROM and Bulgaria. It is an attractive very bright greenish off-yellow, the colour isn't really caught on these photos.

Identification & Similar species: Unmistakable. Similar species do not share the same range.

Distribution & Flight: Greek mainland and neighbouring FYROM and Bulgaria. It flies in two broods from late April to early July. It is reportedly present in the Pelopennesos, but is seemingly very rare there.

Habitat & Behaviour: It flies fast over dry rocky places with sparse grasses. It settles only occasionally to feed or lay eggs unless the clouds come obscure the sun. In such dull conditions they rest on the ground allowing approach for photography, sometimes.

Kozani, Greece, May 2004

In dull weather it rests on the ground with wings half open.

Kozani, Greece, May 2004

Kozani, Greece, May 2004

Foodplant, Matthiola tessela(?), growing commonly at the roadside.