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Oeneis glacialis

Alpine Grayling

Field Notes

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Valais, Switzerland, June 2007/8
 

Piedmont, Italy, June 2004
 

Piedmont, Italy, June 2004
 

Piedmont, Italy, June 2004
 

Valais, Switzerland, June 2006
 

Valais, Switzerland, July 2006
 

Valais, Switzerland, July 2006
 

Valais, Switzerland, July 2006
 

Piedmont, Italy, June 2004
 

Piedmont, Italy, June 2004
 

Piedmont, Italy, June 2004
 

Provence, France, June 2003

 

This is a beautifully marked species and member of a small but distinct band of species in the genus Oensis. There are four species in Europe, the other three are confined to central and northern Scandinavia. The current species is found only in the Alps of Europe where it is a high altitude species. I've found it on a few occasions from 1700m upto 2400m in east and central Switzerland and also SE France.

As with all Graylings they are perfectly cryptically marked in their chosen habitats. Typically the wings are held firmly shut when at rest. Usually they are found by first disturbing one from its resting place on a rock. It will fly off and disappear on landing. Eventually though its landing place will be found and careful approach may yield a photo!

 

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