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Coenonympha thyrsis

Cretan Small Heath

Field Notes

Crete, June 2004

Crete, June 2004

Crete, June 2004

Crete, June 2004

Crete, June 2004

Crete, June 2004

Crete, June 2004

This species is an endemic to Crete. On this island it is very common in June. It is found at all levels on the very widespread habitat of rough extremely dry open hillsides with Thyme (Thymus). These hills are generally covered in spiny cushion forming plants with sparse grasses between. Along road, river and path edges nectar plants can get a hold and this is where the butterflies are concentrated. Some favoured nectar plants can be covered in the butterfly in a feeding frenzy.

It is as variable as it is common although we didn't see any extreme variation. In this respect is it typical of the genus Coenonympha. The above photos give a good range of normal variation.

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