![Photo: pherusa12.jpg](../pics/p/pherusa12.jpg)
Sicily, Italy, May 2018
![Photo: pherusa9.jpg](../pics/p/pherusa9.jpg)
Sicily, Italy, May 2018
Field notes and information
An endemic on Sicily. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the western marbled white M. occitanica. It may be an evolutionary intermediate between the western and the Italian marbled whites, M. occitanica & M. arge as it shows intermediate features of both species and the range is between the two species (Spain and main land Italy).
Identification & Similar species: The underside hindwing markings are fine and pale brown allowing it to be readily separated from other species of Melanargia on the island.
Distribution & Flight: Endemic to Sicily south of Palermo where it is very local. It flies in May and June.
Habitat & Behaviour: Open hills and slopes dominated by grasses. As all Melanargia it is strongly attracted to flowers.
![Photo: pherusa14.jpg](../pics/p/pherusa14.jpg)
Sicily, Italy, May 2018
![Photo: pherusa10.jpg](../pics/p/pherusa10.jpg)
Sicily, Italy, May 2018
![Photo: pherusa11.jpg](../pics/p/pherusa11.jpg)
Sicily, Italy, May 2018
![Photo: pherusa17.jpg](../pics/p/pherusa17.jpg)
![Photo: pherusa15.jpg](../pics/p/pherusa15.jpg)
![Photo: pherusa18.jpg](../pics/p/pherusa18.jpg)
Sicily, Italy, May 2018
![Photo: pherusa6.jpg](../pics/p/pherusa6.jpg)
Sicily, Italy, May 2018
![Photo: pherusa1.jpg](../pics/p/pherusa1.jpg)
![Photo: pherusa2.jpg](../pics/p/pherusa2.jpg)
Sicily, May 2000
Captured from video.