Freyer's Grayling
Common NameFreyer's Grayling
Scientific NameHipparchia fagi
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, yellow, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, rocky slopes, scrubland
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, extending east to Turkey and the Caucasus
Host PlantsBrachypodium, Festuca, Poa
Flight PeriodLate June to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various grasses and overwinter as partially grown caterpillars. Pupation occurs in spring, often underground or at the base of host plants.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, the highly cryptic, bark-like pattern on the hindwing underside, and the prominent black eyespots with yellow rings and white pupils on the forewings.
Description
A robust butterfly with a mottled grey-brown underside resembling bark or rock, and a dark brown upperside with prominent black eyespots ringed in yellow and centered with white pupils on the forewings.
