|
Grey Asian
Grayling
Pseudochazara geyeri
Distribution: Extremely local in the border areas of Albania, Greece
and Macedonia (FYROM).
Identification: Distinctive. The zig-zag transversal markings on the
underside are unlike any other species.
Flight time: August.
Habitat: Calcarious mountains dominated by grasses with rocks. Above
the tree line.
Behaviour: I've only seen them once in 2008 and it was an extremely
hot afternoon. The butterflies we saw were at low density and ranged over very
large areas. They flew for a long time, occasionally resting to feed on the
ubiquitous Eryngo or even more occasionally on rocks. When settled they would
orientate their wings to avoid any additional heating by the sun.
Additional notes: The rocky terrain made chasing the butterflies
very difficult, I turned my ankle during one chase and feared that I had broken
something. Luckily after 10 minutes rest I was able to gingerly place my foot on the
floor and hobble off the mountain.
|
