|
Two Tailed
Pasha
Charaxes jasius
Distribution: Usually at low levels amongst hills in Mediterranean
France, Portugal and neighbouring Spain, most Mediterranean islands from the
Balearics to Cyprus, Greece and Italy and coastal Balkans. North Africa where it
is predominantly coastal. I've found it at 2200m in the Middle Atlas mountains,
but only single specimens. I've no idea where their colonies could be!
Identification: Unmistakable. The size, colouration, twin tails and
striped underside markings are unique in the European fauna. The few North
African specimens I've found have been enormous compared to the European
butterflies.
Flight time: Double brooded, flying May/June and August/October.
Flying in good condition on Gibraltar on 31st October 2005, so presumably in
places it can be found outside the given flight times.
Habitat: Wooded hillsides with plenty of Strawberry Trees, Arbutus
unedo, the larval food plant. Can wander and be found in town centres or
well away from the foodplants.
Behaviour: They are usually seen zooming very fast
around the foodplant Strawberry Trees and other bushes. However in certain
places, such as passes, ridges, tracks or other open areas they may congregate.
Here they may well form territories which they will defend against all comers,
including lepidopterists! Females can be observed at about head height
fluttering amongst the branches of a Strawberry Tree looking for egg laying
sites. This is usually at the centre and on top of the leave. The egg is large
and fairly easily found.
The larvae are
distinctive. They are green and have dinosaur like heads - 4 spikes
pointing backwards. They rest on a silk pad on their chosen leaf and
will return here after feeding on other leaves nearby.
Additional notes: The
butterfly can be attracted to bait, see photos. I used an
old banana and some very cheap wine which I left in a jam jar in the
direct sunshine for a day. This "cooked" the juices which
these butterflies found irresistible. Unfortunately it was very windy so
I don't think my bait was as effective as it would be on a still day - I
can't wait to try it again some time! They are also attracted to dung
(see photo - the smell here was hideous but I got my video anyway)
and supposedly rotting flesh also.
|
