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Simi, Greece, May 2017
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Simi, Greece, May 2017
Field notes and information
Only known from the islands of Simi and Tilos in Europe, its range continues eastwards. It is one of 3 cryptospecies, separated by DNA and male genitalia, that are indistinguishable by external characteristics. For more information see M. proto, Western sage skipper.
Identification & Similar species: See M. proto Western sage skipper from which it is indistinguishable.
Distribution & Flight: Greek islands of Tilos and Symi and eastwards. Flies in a single brood from April to October, usually (?) peaking in the summer.
Habitat & Behaviour: Hot dry grassy stony places, usually amongst scrub. In the summer drought of the Mediterranean, this species is often the only butterfly flying in very hot dry "dead" locations
![Photo: proteides3.jpg](../pics/p/proteides3.jpg)
Simi, Greece October 2018
![Photo: proteides2.jpg](../pics/p/proteides2.jpg)
Simi, Greece, May 2017
![Photo: proteides5.jpg](../pics/p/proteides5.jpg)
Simi, Greece October 2018
![Photo: proteides8.jpg](../pics/p/proteides8.jpg)
![Photo: proteides10.jpg](../pics/p/proteides10.jpg)
![Photo: proteides7.jpg](../pics/p/proteides7.jpg)
Simi, Greece October 2018
![Photo: proteides9.jpg](../pics/p/proteides9.jpg)
![Photo: proteides11.jpg](../pics/p/proteides11.jpg)
Simi, Greece October 2018