Coenonympha arcania Vuganac, Velebit mountains, Croatia – Peter Bruce-Jones
Introduction
The genus Coenonympha comprises 39 known species, found variously in North America, Europe, north Africa and temperate areas of Asia. There are 14 species in Europe.
Coenonympha arcania is found across most of Europe but is absent from Britain, southern Spain and northern Scandinavia. Beyond Europe it occurs in southern Russia and the Urals.
Coenonympha arcania Vuganac, Velebit mountains, Croatia � Peter Bruce-Jones
Habitats
This species inhabits dry, flowery scrub and grassland, woodland clearings and hay meadows at elevations between about 50-1800m.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants include the grasses Poa, Melica and Holcus ( Poaceae ).
Adult behaviour
The adults commonly perch on the foliage of bushes. Both sexes nectar at Asteraceae and other flowers, including flowering shrubs and bushes.