Parnassius apollo – Apollo – Apolo is a mountain species of butterfly that typically inhabits hills and flowery alpine meadows in continental European mountains, including Spain. This species requires specific climatic conditions, such as cold winters and sunny summers. It also prefers wide open spaces with less than 5% shrub cover and ample meadow surfaces of at least 50%. The presence of host plants for caterpillars is also crucial for its survival.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Western Dappled White – Euchloe crameri – Blanca Meridional
The Western Dappled White – Euchloe crameri – Blanca Meridional is a very active butterfly, although not as strong a flier as the Bath White (Pontia daplidice).
The mostly white upper wings have black markings at the tips and behind that a bold black mark. The under wing has a dappled pattern of dark green and white with yellow veins.
The tips of the fore wings on the underside have the same dappled pattern and behind that a bold black mark.
Western Dappled White – Euchloe crameri – Blanca Meridional
The caterpillars of this species are up to 3cm long, with horizontal stripes of green and yellow, bearing black speckles.
Distribution: Iberia eastwards to Italy where it overlaps with E. ausonia
Similar species: Portuguese Dappled White (Euchloe tagis) has a smoothly rounded costa of the hindwing, whereas in E. crameri this edge is more angular. Bath White (Pontia daplidice) this species has a very strong direct flight.
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Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum!
Discover the Iberia Nature Forum – Environment, geography, nature, landscape, climate, culture, history, rural tourism and travel.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Soft beige and mottled brown colouring affords the The Hermit – Chazara briseis – Banda oblicua good camouflage when it rests and sunbathes on rocks. The upper wings which are rarely shown except in flight, are dark brown with an off white / cream band crossing from fore to hind wing. The under wings of the males are both marbled brown, beige and cream whereas the hind wing of the female is a less defined mix of the same colours.
This butterfly inhabits areas of hot, dry grassland with rocks and scrub. It feeds eagerly on thistle and scabious flowers and this may be the best opportunity to get close.
The Hermit – Chazara briseis – Banda oblicua. Left male, Right female
The caterpillars of this species are up to 3cm long, off-white with a brown face and two dark stripes down each side, the tail tapering to a point.
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum!
Discover the Iberia Nature Forum – Environment, geography, nature, landscape, climate, culture, history, rural tourism and travel.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
The Spanish Purple Hairstreak – Laeosopis roboris – Moradilla del Fresno is a fairly small butterfly that is most often high up in the trees, although luckily it does come down to ground level in order to feed off nectar. The under wings are grey / brown with a strong orange border. There are metallic blue and black markings inside this border that are most striking on the hind wing. The upper wings are purple with a wide, almost black band.
Spanish Purple Hairstreak – Laeosopis roboris – Moradilla del Fresno
The caterpillars of this species are small, grey / brown and somewhat similar to a wood lice in the shape of their backs.
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum!
Discover the Iberia Nature Forum – Environment, geography, nature, landscape, climate, culture, history, rural tourism and travel.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies in Spain.
