Plateau des Gras, Bidon, Ardèche, France
Family : Nymphalidae
Subfamily : Satyrinae
Species : Hipparchia fidia
This species has a very localised distribution in Spain, Portugal, southern France, northern-western Italy, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. With its distinctive zigzag markings it is probably the most attractive of the grayling species and is medium to large size with a wingspan of around 50-55mm. Although it is quite large it is not easy to spot as the zigzag wing pattern breaks up the shape of the butterfly and is a very effective camouflage. It also likes to hide in the shade of bushes, making it even more difficult to find. It is rare to find them in the open and this guy didn't stay there for more than a couple of seconds.
Habitat is usually very hot places that are shrubby and stony at altitudes from sea level up to 1400m asl. Flight period is from early July to late September. When sitting in the sun it will angle its wings so that it avoids casting a shadow that would give away its presence to potential predators. This position also minimises its heat intake. The larvae feed on various grasses in the Poaceae family such as Brachypodium sp., Festuca elegans, and Stripa gigantea. They hibernate through the winter and wake to start feeding again in the Spring.
All my insect pics are single, handheld shots of live insects in wild situations.
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