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Neohipparchia fatua

Freyer's Grayling

Macedonia, Greece, July 2000

Seconds before the butterfly above was resting quietly, blending in
remarkably well against this tree trunk in the shade.

Macedonia, Greece, July 2000

This is a good example showing many of the features I mention below.

Macedonia, Greece, July 2000

This species behaves very much like its close relative the Tree Grayling, Neohipparchia statilinus. It loves resting on branches and trunks of trees in the shade. We found these individuals around fruit trees and they were drinking from the rotting fruit beneath. In Europe this species is found only in the Balkans.

To separate these species I find the first way in is the overall mottled appearance of the underside. Secondly there is little hint at any white on the underside hindwing, that's to say there is little contrast either side of the discal line. Thirdly the basal and the submarginal lines are strong and complete, running most of the distance between the costa and the inner margin - in statilinus they are absent, shadowy (indistinct) or run only part way down from the costa.

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