Piedmont, Italy, June 2007
SE Serbia, June 2012
Field notes and information
Reminiscent of the White Admiral, it is a more delicate butterfly but of equal size.
Identification & Similar species: Resembles the white admirals and the common glider, Limenitis sp. & Neptis sappho. A faint white band in the upperside forewing cell and only one broad band on the hindwing separate the species.
Distribution & Flight: Alpine valleys in north Italy and eastwards. Sporadic in the Balkans to northern Greece. Single brooded in June and July.
Habitat & Behaviour: Soars gracefully in dappled sunlight in clearings, open woodland and forest edges. In hot conditions may skim low over the ground. They often settle on leaves at and just above head high in pools of sunlight.
Cluj, Romania, May 2009
Cluj, Romania, May 2009
Cluj, Romania, May 2009
SW Serbia, June 2012
Piedmont, Italy, June 2011
Piedmont, June 2004
SW Serbia, June 2012
Piedmont, Italy, June 2007