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Carcharodus orientalis

Oriental Marbled Skipper

Field Notes

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S Greece, July 2007

 

NW Greece, August 2008

 

Macedonia, Greece, May 2004

 

Macedonia, Greece, May 2004
 

Macedonia, Greece, May 2004
 

Macedonia, Greece, May 2004

 
This is a butterfly of the southern Balkans. In this region it is widespread but local and I usually manage to miss it somehow. When I do find it is it generally in only ones and twos. In this region it can only be confused with the Tufted Marbled Skipper, C. flocciferus. This butterfly only flies in one brood in high summer in this region, despite flying throughout the summer further west. Like all Marbled Skipper species, Carcharodus sp. they fly very fast with strong abdomens generating the whirring flight. They are fond of flowers and resting on rocks/ hot surfaces.

In comparison orientalis is somewhat paler overall. The underside hindwing has discal spots that tend towards forming a band. In flocciferus these spots are clearly smaller and independent from one another. The upperside of orientalis is rather softer with browns featuring, flocciferus is rather more grey-black.

 

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