NW, Greece, August 2008
NW, Greece, August 2008
Field notes and information
This species has spectacular bright copper uppersides and orange underside forewings. Found in east and southeast Europe. In the southeast when I've found it it has been infrequently and uncommon.
Identification & Similar species: It has a very bright coppery orange upperside. The underside forewing is particularly orange compared to similar species.
Distribution & Flight: Central and southeast Europe, central Italy. Also many of the Greek islands. It flies throughout the summer in two or more broods.
Habitat & Behaviour: Hot dry locations with flowers. Scrubland. The larvae feed on a species of knot grass (Polygonum aviculare) which has a distinctive straggly form. The low plant forms a kind of mat with its long wiry green stalks from which sprout only a few small leaves. Each plant may be a meter or more in diameter.
NW, Greece, August 2008
Rhodes, Greece October 2018
Rhodes, Greece October 2018
Rila Mts, Bulgaria, July 2004
Rhodes, Greece October 2018
NW, Greece, August 2008
Patmos, Greece, June 2002
Macedonia, Greece, May 2004 (m)
Rhodes, Greece, May 2017
Peleponnesos, Greece, June 2002 (m)