Burgos, Spain, July 2011
Valais, Switzerland, September 2006
Field notes and information
A widespread species, often common in the right habitats.
Identification & Similar species: This is a "model" for the a number of Hipparchia species. The group is actively speciating and taxonomy is complex evolving at the moment across Europe. As there is generally little overlap between the similar species, identification best started with knowledge of which species are presented in the given location.
Distribution & Flight: Extends from Spain and Italy and the northern Balkans to Scandinavia and the UK. Seemingly coastal in northern countries.
Habitat & Behaviour: Dry heathland or grassy places. As with all Hipparchia it doesn't open its wings when at rest, prefering to either angle its wings towards the sun to heat up or into the sun to minimise heating.
Valais, Switzerland, June 2019
Valais, Switzerland, July 2021
Valais, Switzerland, July 2021
Sierra Nevada, Spain, July 2013
Valais, Switzerland, June 2015
Burgos, Spain, July 2011
Almeria, Spain, July 2013
Valais, Switzerland, September 2007
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Andalucia, Spain, May 2008
Alpes de Haute Provence, France, July 2009
Var, France, July 2010
Valais, Switzerland, September 2007
Dorset, UK, July 2000