Cretan Grayling
Common NameCretan Grayling
Scientific NameHipparchia cretica
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, cream
HabitatRocky slopes, dry grasslands, garrigue, maquis, open pine forests
Geographic RangeCrete, Greece
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on grass blades, and larvae feed on various grasses, overwintering as larvae before pupating on the ground.
Identification TipsLook for its dark brown upperside with a pale submarginal band and small ocelli, combined with the highly cryptic, marbled grey-brown underside of the hindwings, which aids in camouflage on rocks.
Description
A medium-sized brown butterfly with a dark brown upperside featuring a pale submarginal band and small eyespots, and a cryptically marbled grey-brown underside.
