Woodland Grayling
Common NameWoodland Grayling
Scientific NameHipparchia fagi
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white, cream, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, rocky slopes, often on calcareous soils
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, extending eastwards into Asia Minor and the Caucasus
Host PlantsBrachypodium, Festuca, Bromus
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae feed on various grasses and overwinter as small caterpillars before pupating in a loose cocoon on the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, strong gliding flight, and the cryptic underside pattern resembling bark or dry leaves. It often rests on tree trunks or rocks, and the forewing underside typically displays two prominent black eyespots with white pupils.
Description
A large butterfly with a highly cryptic underside, mottled in shades of brown, grey, and white, featuring prominent eyespots on the forewing.
