Introduction
There are 24 species in the genus Melanargia, known commonly as the Marbled Whites. One of the most widespread and common species is the common Marbled White M. galathea which is found across most of Europe but is absent from eastern Asia, except for Japan, where its presence is unexplained. Another very widespread species is Esper’s Marbled White M. russiae, which has a range stretching from Spain to Siberia.
The genus is readily recognised by virtue of the black-on-white marbled uppersides, and the series of submarginal ocelli on the underside hindwings. Both sexes are similar in pattern, but males are a purer white. Females are slightly creamy in appearance, especially when freshly emerged, and are patterned in dark brown rather than the neutral black of males.
Melanargia epimede is found from the Ukraine to eastern Mongolia, China and Korea.
Habitats
This is a low-mid elevation species found in hay meadows, woodland glades and sheltered alpine pastures.
Lifecycle
The larvae feed nocturnally on the grass Agrostis clavata.
Adult behaviour
To be completed.