Middle Atlas, Morocco, May 1998

(c) Peter Rowlings

Field notes and information

One of a dramatic group of insects from north Africa in the region but absent from Europe.

Identification & Similar species: It is superficially similar to the Allard's silver lines, C. allardi, with which it just might fly in certain places. Refer to that species for a brief description of the distinguishing features. Superficially similar to the common silver lines, C. siphax, which flies further east from Tunisia and overlaps the range of the current species in Algeria but is not found in Morocco.

Distribution & Flight: Flines in northwest Africa in Morocco and Algeria where it is local in hills and mountains. Flies in a single brood in May and June.

Habitat & Behaviour: It flies very low over usually barren ground but appears to be attracted to flowers and takes fluids from damp ground.

Variation: The nominate subspecies flies in Algeria. monticola: flies in Morocco in the Middle and High Atlas.