Kretania psylorita

Cretan Argus

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

copyright © 2003-2023

Show butterflies of: EU US
io-header
Photo: psylorita56.jpg

Crete, Greece, June 2018

Photo: psylorita52.jpg

Crete, Greece, June 2018

Field notes and information

Endemic to Crete where it is found on just two mountain massifs. As for many island endemics it is quite common where found.

Identification & Similar species: The butterfly is rather dull and bland. There are no similar species.

Distribution & Flight: Only from Crete at altitudes of 1400m and above. It flies in June.

Habitat & Behaviour: Dry slopes and gulleys in high mountains. The habitat is exposed and seems very harsh. It is extremely rocky with almost no vegetation over much of the mountain.

Photo: psylorita48.jpg

Crete, Greece, June 2018

Photo: psylorita65.jpg

Crete, Greece, June 2018

Photo: psylorita57.jpg

Crete, Greece, June 2018

Photo: psylorita40.jpg

Crete, Greece, June 2018

Five individuals taking salts from a cow pat.

Photo: psylorita53.jpg

Crete, Greece, June 2018

Photo: psylorita54.jpgPhoto: psylorita24.jpgPhoto: psylorita55.jpg

Crete, Greece, June 2018

Photo: psylorita34.jpgPhoto: psylorita13.jpgPhoto: psylorita58.jpg

Crete, Greece, June 2018

Photo: psylorita5.jpgPhoto: psylorita6.jpgPhoto: psylorita7.jpg

Crete, Greece, June 2004

Photo: psylorita50.jpgPhoto: psylorita43.jpgPhoto: psylorita46.jpg

Crete, Greece, June 2018

Photo: psylorita20.jpgPhoto: psylorita31.jpg

Crete, Greece, June 2018

Photo: psylorita12.jpgPhoto: psylorita10.jpg

Crete, Greece, June 2018

Larval food plant, Astragalus is abundant at high levels.