Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013
Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013
Field notes and information
A large and distinctive species found in southeast Europe. It frequents open woodland, vineyards, scrub and bushy places where it flits about in the shade settling on the trunks and branches. Here it blends in very well in the dappled sunlight and despite its size it can be very hard to find.
Identification & Similar species: Despite first appearances it can be confused with the lesser lattice brown K. climene with which if flies in places. When the butterflies settle high up a tree in dappled sunlight the differences are not so clear.
Distribution & Flight: Southwards from southern Romania and Serbia to Greece and the larger Greek islands. Single brooded in an extended emergence from May to September, possibly with aestivation.
Habitat & Behaviour: Grassy places with shrubs in which it finds shade and shelter.
Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013
Samos, Greece, June 2018
Samos, Greece, June 2018
The only time I've seen the butterfly on flowers. Several individuals were seend feeding on this one apparently spent Jerusalem sage Phlomis fruticosa flower.
Samos, Greece, June 2018
Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013
Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013
Chios, Greece, June 2018
Samos, Greece, June 2018
Samos, Greece, June 2018
Typical leafy shady areas.
Samos, Greece, June 2018
Samos, Greece, June 2018
The same Jerusalem sage flower.
Chios, Greece, June 2018
SE Serbia, June 2012
Samos, Greece, June 2002 (c) Peter Rowlings
Samos, Greece, June 2018