Even early in
the morning they were impossible to approach
Agadir,
Morocco, March 2001 (f)y
Egg laying
Agadir,
Morocco, March 2001
The egg (on
underside of leaf on left)
Agadir,
Morocco, March 2001
About the
closest I got - a hapless individual in the jaws of an enormous and
ferocious looking Robber Fly (Diptera, Asilidae)
A common species throughout the summer months
(i.e. just about all year in coastal Morocco) in Morocco and Tunisia it
is surprising that I don't have better photographs. Luckily Peter
managed the excellent shot above. I think my failings are in part due to its rapid and direct flight. Also they don't stop anywhere for
long, usually seen just passing through.
It is known from a few small colonies in Spain. It has a relative in
northern Greece, the Eastern Greenish Black Tip (Elphinstonia penia)
which is slightly larger, a greener yellow and more extensive markings.