Woodland Grayling
Image: Zerocool.marko (CC BY 4.0)
Common NameWoodland Grayling
Scientific NameHipparchia fagi
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsbrown, black, yellow, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, rocky areas
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, extending to Southeastern Europe and parts of the Middle East
Host Plantsvarious grasses, Brachypodium, Festuca, Bromus
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various grasses and overwinter. Pupation occurs on the ground, often among leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, overall dark brown coloration, and the distinctive single large black ocellus with a white pupil and yellow ring on the forewing. The mottled grey-brown underside of the hindwing is also characteristic.
Description
A large, dark brown butterfly with a prominent black eyespot, ringed with yellow and a white pupil, on the forewing. Its hindwing underside is cryptically mottled grey and brown, providing excellent camouflage.
