European Beak
Common NameEuropean Beak
Scientific NameLibythea celtis
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLibytheinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, yellow
HabitatWoodland edges, open forests, riverbanks, areas with nettle trees
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, parts of Asia (from Mediterranean to Japan)
Host PlantsCeltis australis, other Celtis species
Flight PeriodMay to October (bivoltine)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of host plants. Larvae are green with yellow stripes, feeding on Celtis leaves. Pupae are green and suspended, with adults of the second generation overwintering.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive 'beak-like' palps and the deeply jagged wing edges. The dorsal pattern of dark brown with irregular orange-yellow patches is key, while the underside is cryptic, resembling a dead leaf.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly characterized by its deeply scalloped, jagged wing margins and prominent, forward-projecting labial palps resembling a 'beak'. Its dorsal wings are dark brown with irregular, bright orange-yellow patches.
