Distribution: Local in the mountains of N Africa and very local in S
Spain and S Portugal. Also recorded extremely locally in Sicily and S Italy.
Identification: The males are bright orange on the upperside. Compared
to other similar butterflies both sexes have very light markings in the discal
areas of the upper hindwings, and the male also in upper forewings. This is
particularly noticeable in the male which presents as a large patch of bright
orange unbroken by a band of black spots or dashes. The wings are noticeably
broad and rounded compared to other similar species.
Flight time: It is found from mid April and in May with a second
generation in September in Italy.
Habitat: Open grasslands and flowery meadows amongst hills. Larvae
feed on various Centaurea (Knapweeds).
Behaviour: Strongly attracted to flowers, particularly Knapweeds. It
flies strongly but in my limited experience only for short distances: to the
next flower or patch of bare earth to sun themselves on.
Prov. Malaga,
S Spain, May 2008
Prov. Malaga,
S Spain, May 2008
The bare earth on the other side of the fence attracted sunbathing
butterflies. No way across these substantial fences for the photographer
though.
