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| All contents and photographs copyright Matt Rowlings, ©2003-2010. |
| Photos: explicit permission must be obtained from Matt Rowlings for any use of any images from eurobutterflies.com. |
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Common Tiger Blue
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Andalucia,
Spain, May 2008 |
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Andalucia,
Spain, April 2009 |
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Common Tiger
Blue Distribution: Extreme S Spain and across most of north Africa Identification: In S Spain this is the only Tiger blue that is found. In North Africa, the situation is complicated by the presence of the Mediterranean Tiger Blue, T. rosaceus. The species are, possibly, inseparable from wing markings alone. See page Tarucus sp. A similar species, the Little (or Balkan) Tiger Blue, T. balcanicus, flies in Greece and eastern N Africa. Flight time: From April until the winter. Habitat: Very hot dry arid or semi arid places. Strongly associated with the larval food plant the Jujube bush. Behaviour: Extremely rapid flight. Very sensitive to movement. When disturbed its very small size makes it very difficult to follow as it zips around the larval food plant and particularly so when it flies low over the ground. It very frequently rests on the larval food plant, occasionally on other shrubs that may be in the vicinity. Will also rest on bear earth or small stones. Various low plants may tempt it to nectar, but only briefly. |
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