Southern Grayling
Common NameSouthern Grayling
Scientific NameHipparchia fidia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)58
Primary Colorsorange, brown, grey, black
HabitatDry, rocky scrubland, garrigue, open woodland, often on limestone slopes.
Geographic RangeIberian Peninsula, Southern France, Italy, North Africa.
Host PlantsBrachypodium, Festuca, Stipa
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae feed on grasses and overwinter, pupating in spring. Adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the large black eyespot on the orange forewing patch (visible on both sides) and the highly camouflaged, mottled grey-brown hindwing underside.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a cryptically patterned grey-brown underside hindwing, resembling bark or rock. The forewing underside features a prominent orange patch with a large black eyespot.
