Polyommatus iphigenia

Chelmos Blue

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

copyright © 2003-2024

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013

Field notes and information

An extremely rare and local butterfly. In Europe, only known from a single mountain in south Greece.

At very high risk from collectors. We witnesssed professional collectors catching and killing every single butterfly they could in this location, including other extremely rare species. When challenged, the proudly showed me their numerous killing jars full of dead butterflies, all killed regardless of condition. They carried on collecting anyway. They were still here 7 days later when we revisited, the damage to delicate local populations must be severe.

My plea is don't buy from collectors who have hundreds of very rare butterflies for sale - they are not enthusiasts trying to cover the costs of a holiday - they are single handedly responsible for extermination of very local species!

Identification & Similar species: The very bright upperside blue and a bold white streak on the underside hindwing make this species distinctive.

Distribution & Flight: Only from Mt Chelmos in Greece. Flies end June/ July.

Habitat & Behaviour: Flies fast over hot grassy flowery places with stones and rocks.

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013

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Peloppensos, Greece, July 2018

The only female I found in week 2 July. The species was clearly over.

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013

With Zephyr Blue P. sephirus.

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013

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Pelopennesos, Greece, June 2002

White stripe on underside hindwing, bright blue ups with narrow black border.

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Peloppensos, Greece, July 2018

Larval food plant Onobrychis alba.

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Peloppensos, Greece, July 2018

Larval food plant Onobrychis alba.

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013

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Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013