Hipparchia syriaca, Mala Paklenica, Croatia – Peter Bruce-Jones
Introduction
There are 27 Hipparchia species, distributed variously across Europe, Asia and North Africa.
The uppersides of all species are dark earthy brown with prominent ocelli on the forewings in spaces 2 and 5, set within broad orange or brownish-white bands. When freshly emerged they often have a metallic greenish sheen along the costa. The underside hindwings are cryptically patterned with dark zig-zag lines and striations, and in most species there is a white band corresponding to that on the upperside.
Hipparchia syriaca is found in Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria and Iran. It also occurs on several of the Mediterranean islands including Corfu.
Habitats
This species inhabits clearings and glades in hot dry oak forests and pine woodlands, at elevations between sea level and about 1300m.
Lifecycle
The larvae are crepuscular and feed on unspecified grasses.
Adult behaviour
Males rest on stones, boulders and tree trunks where they wait to intercept passing females. Both sexes visit sap runs.