Great Banded Grayling (Brintesia circe)
Species

Taken at La Chapelle-en-Vercors, France, on July 23rd 2018.
(1/640th sec at f13. © David Hastings)

Description

Family: Satyrinae

Wing span: 65 - 80mm

A large, strongly patterned butterfly. It mostly keeps its wings closed at rest. The sexes are similar.

It is widespread and common in southern and central Europe, including the main Mediterranean islands.

It prefers light woodland, grasslands bordering forest edges and generally dry and bushy environments.

There is one brood per year, with adults being on the wing from June to September, depending on altitude and locality.

Larvae feed on grasses such as Festuca, Bromus, Anthoxanthum, Sesleria etc.

It will take nectar from thistles or eryngeums, and also take nutrients from cattle dung.

The Great Banded Grayling is a graceful glider, and dominates its habitat.

Sightings

23-Jul-2018 : Vercors Natural Park, France
21-Jul-2018 : Vercors Natural Park, France
20-Jul-2018 : Vercors Natural Park, France
19-Jul-2018 : Vercors Natural Park, France

11-Jun-2017 : Velebits National Park, Croatia
09-Jun-2017 : Paklenica National Park, Croatia

23-Jul-2015 : Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria
20-Jul-2015 : nr Samokov, Bulgaria

26-Jun-2014 : Kresna Gorge, Bulgaria
25-Jun-2014 : General Todorov, Bulgaria
25-Jun-2014 : Rupite Hot Springs, Bulgaria
24-Jun-2014 : nr Novo Hodzhovo, Bulgaria
21-Jun-2014 : Byal gradets, Bulgaria