This is a shy and retiring species
found only very locally on
several of the larger eastern Mediterranean islands. It seems to like
low altitude areas amongst rocks and sparse grassy places on steep
slopes. We've only found it on Cyprus (not strictly in what I call
Europe). Here we found it close to the coast in several locations,
including at least one from where it had not been recorded before (ref.
Eddie John, Cyprus butterfly recorder). It generally doesn't fly much,
being disturbed from its resting place every time we found it. It also
had an amazing ability to be glimpsed around the legs and disappearing
instantly without trace or hope of finding it again. On several
occasions it was an act of faith following such a glimpse that
eventually led to confirmation of the species presence at a site.
It is unlike any other
European species so will not be confused in this range. However, further
east in Asia the uniform mottled grey-brown underside is a well used
format and many very similar species are found. On the basis of
appearance only, it really doesn't fit neatly into the European fauna.
But it is here so I can't argue that it is an outsider!
