The butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea & Hesperioidea) of Mt. Imittos, Attiki, Greece

[Πληκτρολογήστε κείμενο]

© Parnassiana Archives 2, 2014 25

www.wildgreeceeditions.com/parnassiana archives/

PARNASSIANA ARCHIVES 2: 25-52 2014

TΗΕ ΒUΤΤΕRFLIES (LEPIDOPTERA:

PAPILIONOIDEA & HESPERIOIDEA) OF MT.

IMITTOS, ATTIKI, GREECE

Sotiris Alexiou1

1Email: [email protected]

Published online: March 16, 2014

Abstract. A full list of the butterflies and skippers recorded on Mt. Imittos is presented, together with

their distribution in Greece and their phenology. Τhe study revealed that 53 species in 5 families and 40

genera occur on the mountain.

Key words: Central Greece – Athens basin – Mt. Imittοs – Butterflies – Skippers – Faunistics

Contents

1. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 25

2. List of recorded species .................................................................................. 27

2.1. Family Papilionidae ......................................................................................... 27

2.2. Family Pieridae ................................................................................................ 28

2.3. Family Lycaenidae ........................................................................................... 30

2.4. Family Nymphalidae........................................................................................ 32

2.5. Family Hesperiidae .......................................................................................... 37

3. Uncorfimed records ......................................................................................... 38

4. Acknowledgments ........................................................................................... 39

5. Literature .......................................................................................................... 39

1. Introduction

Μt. Imittos is located in the Prefecture of Attiki, Sterea Ellas, Central Greece. It is

situated between the basins of Athens and Mesogia, and its distance from the city of

Athens is shorter than that of the other two mountains flanking the capital. It is an

isolated, rather steep mountain, with a N to S directed expansion, a maximum altitude

of 1026 m (Evzonas), and a length of about 23 km. Its climate is typical

Mediterranean, with mild, but fairly wet winters and dry hot summers. Large areas are

still covered by forests of Pinus halepensis, both natural and reforested. The rest of

the mountain is covered with degraded stands of Quercus coccifera, guarrigue, and

agricultural areas (mainly olive groves).

Species were photographed or observed and identified on the basis of wing

morphology only. A total number of 53 are reported here (49 recorded by the author

and 4 independently by others), belonging to 5 families and 40 genera. Three species

The butterflies of Mt. Imittos

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are of European Conservation Concern: Thymelicus acteon, Pseudophilotes vicrama

and Glaucopsyche alexis.

Fig.1. Map of part of Central and S Greece showing location of Mt. Imittos (in black).

Figs. 2,3. View of Mt Imittos

Table 1. Number of genera and species/family

Families Genera Species

1. Papilionidae 3 4

2. Pieridae 6 10

3. Lycaenidae 11 13

4. Nymphalidae 16 20

5. Hesperiidae 4 6

TOTAL 40 53

Parnassiana Archives 2

27

2. List of recorded species

Superfamily: Papilionoidea

Family: Papilionidae

1. Zerynthia (Zerynthia) polyxena ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (Figs 4,5)

Locally fairly common throughout mainland Greece as well as Peloponnissos; absent

from the great majority of Greek islands, having been recorded so far only from

Egina, Andros, Samothraki, Kerkira, Kefalonia and Evvoia. Flies in a single brood,

usually early spring, but often, at low altitudes and weather permitting, as early as

mid-February, and always in the vicinity of its larval host-plant, Aristolochia spp.

Flies from sea level to about 1700 m. Appears in two distinct forms, one having

yellow ground-colour, the other orange-yellow (form ochracea, which in some

localities, such as for instance Delfi, represents 50% of the total population). Range: S

France, N Italy (in Central and S Italy, as well as Sicily, replaced by the similar by

external characters but different by genitalia Zerynthia cassandra (Geyer, [1828]),

parts of Central Europe, Balkans, European and NW Asiatic Turkey, Ukraine, S

European Russia to S Ural Mts., NW Kazakhstan. Distribution and status on Mt.

Imittos: locally in fair numbers.

2. Iphiclides podalirius (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 8)

Common throughout Greece, islands included, but apparently absent from Limnos

island. Flies at altitudes ranging from sea level to about 2000 m. At low altitudes it

has at least three broods, often being on the wing from as early as late February to as

late as end October. Range: Europe (from France to S Ural Mts.), all major

Mediterranean islands (absent only from Cyprus) and most lesser ones, Asia Minor,

Near East, Transcaucasia, Caucasus, Iran to SW Siberia, NW China. Distribution and

status on Mt. Imittos: common everywhere at low altitudes, less so higher up.

3. Papilio (Papilio) alexanor Esper, [1800] (Fig. 7)

Locally fairly common throughout greater part of mainland Greece, as well as all of

Peloponnissos, but absent from the majority of Greek islands except Kerkira,

Kefalonia, Lesvos and Samos. Found from about 200 m to about 1700 m in altitude,

in a single brood. Usually the flight period is in May through June / beginning July,

but at lower levels butterfly emergences may take place as early as mid-April. Range:

SE France, NW and SW Italy, Sicily, W and S Balkans, Asiatic Turkey,

Transcaucasia, NE Iraq, Iran, Turkmenistan, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, W Jordan, in a

number of subspecies. According to Pamperis (2009), status in Greece: Near

Threatened. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: often locally fairly abundant at

about 700 m, in open, calcareous habitat.

4. Papilio (Papilio) machaon Linnaeus, 1758 (Fig. 6)

Found throughout Greece in a succession of broods from March through October, and

weather permitting, till early November, at altitudes ranging from sea level to about

2000 m. The butterfly, though widespread, is never found in large numbers, but being

a strong flier and wanderer it always makes its presence felt. Range: Europe (in

England only in Norfolk), NW Africa, Asia Minor, Near East, most Mediterranean


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islands, Transcaucasia, Caucasus, Iran to E Siberia (Kamtchatka), Vietnam, parts of N

America, in a number of subspecies. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: may be

met with sporadically anywhere on the mountain, but never in large numbers.

Family: Pieridae

5. Euchloe (Euchloe) ausonia (Hübner, [1804]) (Fig. 9)

Abundant throughout all of Greece, islands included. The butterfly appears in two

broods, the first one from as early as late winter (occasionally at low altitudes)

through mid spring and the second one from late spring through early summer. Flies

from sea level to about 1800 m in altitude. Range: Central and S Italy, including

Sicily and the island of Elba; Balkan Peninsula, including E Romania; Turkey,

Cyprus, Transcaucasia, NE Iraq, NW Iran, S Ukraine, S Russian Federation,

Caucasus, NW Kazakhstan, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan and NW Africa, in a

number of poorly defined subspecies. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: abundant

throughout the mountain, almost always in the vicinity of its larval host-plants

(various Brassicaceae).

6. Anthocharis cardamines (Linnaeus, 1758) (Figs 10,11)

Fairly common throughout mainland Greece and Peloponnissos, absent from Greek

islands except Kerkira, Kefalonia, Evvoia, Skiathos, Thassos, Lesvos, Samos and

Kastelorizo. Flies in a single brood mainly in spring, but at higher altitudes may still

be met with till beginning July. Found at altitudes ranging from sea level to about

2000 m. Range: Europe, Turkey, Transcaucasia, Caucasus, N and W Iran, Near East,

NE Iraq, Cyprus. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: Locally fairly abundant

mostly at middle heights.

7. Anthocharis gruneri Herrich-Schäffer, 1851 (not figured; coll. Coutsis)

Quite common and widespread over mainland Greece and Peloponnissos, absent from

Greek islands except Evvoia and Thassos. Found at altitudes ranging from about 500

m to about 1800 m. Flies in a single brood from March till May, depending on

altitude. Range: Balkans (S Albania, south F.Y.R.O.Macedonia, S Bulgaria, Greece),

Asia Minor, Near East (NE Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Israel), N Iran, NE and NW

Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Armenia, in two recognized subspecies. Distribution and

status on Mt. Imittos: uncommon and localized at about 500–700 m, in rocky places

with Aethionema saxatile, its larval host-plant.

8. Pontia edusa (Fabricius, 1777) (Fig. 12)

Common throughout Greece as well as its islands. Manages to survive winters at low

altitudes and especially in coastal areas, where it is one of the first butterflies to

emerge, appearing on the wing often in first half of February. Continuously brooded

till late autumn. Populations replenished and augmented by migrations from N Africa.

Flies from sea level to about 2000 m. Range: due to confusion with the similar by

external characters Pontia daplidice (Linnaeus, 1758) exact range not known; the two

taxa combined extend over Europe, excluding the north, the Canary Islands, N Africa,

as well as temperate and subtropical Asia. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos:

often abundant throughout mountain.

9. Pieris (Pieris) brassicae (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 13)


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Common throughout Greece, including all of its islands. Continuously brooded from

late February / early March often till late November / early December. Flies at all

altitudes. Range: N Africa, Europe except NE, Asia from Urals and Middle East to

Transbaikalia, Himalaya, Assam and China (Yunnan), Canary Islands (Lanzarote).

Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: a common species throughout mountain.

10. Pieris (Artogeia) krueperi Staudinger, 1860 (Fig. 15,16)

Very localized, but fairly abundant where found. Recorded always in the vicinity of

its larval host-plants, Alyssum spp., growing between limestone rocks. Found on most

of mainland Greece, Peloponnissos, as well as on the islands of Kerkira, Samos and

Kos. Multi brooded, flying usually from April till October, and at altitudes ranging

from about 600 m to about 1800 m. Range: S Balkans, across S, Central and E

Turkey, Transcaucasia, N Syria, Oman, N Iraq and Iran to W Mongolia and NW

India. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: very localized, but fairly abundant, in

treeless, rocky slopes with an abundance of Alyssum sp.

11. Pieris (Artogeia) rapae (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 14)

A common species in mainland Greece, Peloponnissos, as well as the great majority

of Greek islands. Continuously brooded, being on the wing from late winter / early

spring till late autumn / early winter. Flies from sea level to over 1800 m in altitude.

Range: all of the Palaearctic region except extreme north; Madeira, Canaries, Egypt,

Arabian Peninsula, NW Africa, subtropical Asia; introduced and now resident in N

America, Australia and New Zealand. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: common

throughout.

12. Colias croceus (Fourcroy, 1785) (Fig. 17)

Found practically everywhere in Greece. Being a strong migrant it can be observed

even in the smallest and driest of islands, despite the total absence there of larval host-

plants. Multi-brooded, flying from February till late November according to altitude

and weather conditions. It can be met with from sea level to the highest mountain

peak. Range: Europe (in north and center only as migrating specimens), Canary

Islands, Madeira, N Africa, SW Asia. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: common

everywhere.

13. Gonepteryx cleopatra (Linnaeus, 1767) (Fig. 18)

Common in Peloponnissos, extending northwards to north-central Greece. Scarce in

northern Greece and absent from a good part of the country’s north east. Found also

on all major Greek islands, as well as a good number of the lesser ones. Flies from

early spring till late autumn, but a good number of hibernating specimens may make

an appearance in mid winter during warm spells. It is found from sea level to about

1400 m in altitude. Range: basically holo-Mediterranean; Iberian Peninsula, Balearic

Islands, Corsica, Sardinia, S and central France, Italy, W and S Balkans, W and S

Turkey, W Syria, Lebanon, Israel, NW Jordan, Cyprus, N Libya, NW Africa, in a

number of subspecies. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: abundant, mostly at

lower altitudes. (Note: the appearance in autumn of specimens often attributed to a

second annual brood, may be no more than first brood ones that have emerged from

aestivation).

14. Gonepteryx farinosa (Zeller, 1847) (Fig. 19)


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On the whole not very common in Greece, but may be found in small numbers almost

anywhere due to its wandering habits. Common, exceptionally, on Mt. Taigetos,

Peloponnissos, where it is locally syntopic with the other two members of the genus,

G. cleopatra and G. rhamni (Linnaeus, 1758). Flies from sea level to over 1500 m in

altitude, and from early spring till late autumn. Given the right weather conditions,

hibernating specimens may appear in flight mid-winter as does also G. cleopatra.

Range: S Balkans, Asia Minor, Near East, Transcaucasia, Iran, mountains of central

Asia. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: found anywhere on the mountain, but

always uncommonly.

Family: Lycaenidae

15. Callophrys rubi (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 20)

Found throughout mainland Greece, Peloponnissos, as well as in a good number of

the Greek islands, but absent from Kriti island. Flies in a single brood mainly in April

/ May, but at high altitudes may be found till mid-July. Inhabits areas ranging from

sea level to almost 2000 m in altitude. Range: greater part of European mainland,

Balearic Islands, Corsica, Sardinia, central and S Morocco, N Algeria, Tunisia, Asia

Minor, W Syria, Lebanon, N Israel, Caucasus, Transcaucasia, in a number of

subspecies. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: localized and rather uncommon.

16. Satyrium (Satyrium) ilicis (Esper, [1779] (Fig. 21)

Found throughout mainland Greece and Peloponnissos, where it is common in the

vicinity of Quercus, especially Q. coccifera, one of its larval host-plants. Inhabits also

a number of Greek islands such as Évvoia, Thassos, Limnos, Lesvos, Chios, Samos,

Simi, Tilos, Nissiros, Egina, Idra, Kerkira. Absent from Kríti. Flies from sea level to

about 1800 m in a single brood from May, often till end July, according to altitude.

Range: Temperate and sub-tropical Europe, Asia Minor, Near East, Transcaucasia,

Caucasus, NW Kazakhstan. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: localized and

rather uncommon.

17. Lycaena phlaeas (Linnaeus, 1761) (Fig. 24,25)

Common throughout Greece and its islands. Flies in a succession of broods from

February till November, and from sea level to over 2000 m in altitude. Range: All of

Europe, including arctic Fennoscandia and extreme N part of European Russia, Kola

Peninsula, Africa (N part, N Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, SW Uganda and adjoining

Zaire, Ethiopian highlands), most of the Canary Islands, Madeira, all major and most

lesser Mediterranean islands, Asia Minor, Near East, parts of Middle East, parts of

Arabian Peninsula (SW highlands), Caucasus, Transcaucasia, N America, in a number

of subspecies. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: quite common throughout.

18. Lampides boeticus (Linnaeus, 1767) (Fig. 22)

Due to its migratory habits found all over Greece and its islands. Occasional in spring,

but gradually getting commoner during summer, reaching its population peak in

September / October. Numbers replenished yearly through migrations from N Africa.

Flies in a succession of broods from early spring till late autumn, and from sea level

to about 2000 m in altitude. Range: worldwide in S temperate, subtropical and

tropical zones. Northern range extension (N England, Scandinavia, Urals, etc.)

occasional and temporary, not producing breeding colonies, and due solely to


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migrations from the south. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: Locally in fair

numbers, especially in autumn, in the vicinity of Fabaceae, its larval host-plants.

19. Leptotes pirithous (Linnaeus, 1767) (Fig. 23)

Status in Greece as for L. boeticus. Range: southern part of W and Central Europe

(often as migrant, or partial summer breeder), Mediterranean islands, Canary Islands,

Madeira, Caucasus, S Crimea, Asia Minor, Near East, NE Iraq, S Transcaucasia, Iran,

N and tropical Africa, Arabian Peninsula to India. Distribution and status on Mt.

Imittos: in fair numbers mostly at low elevations in autumn.

20. Cacyreus marshalli Butler, 1898 (Fig. 27)

A species native to S Africa, accidentally introduced to the Balearic Islands in 1988

on imported Pelargonium plants (the butterfly’s larval host-plant), eventually

spreading to most of the Canary Islands, Madeira, Morocco, Iberian Peninsula, S

France, Corsica, Sardinia, Italy, S Switzerland, Slovenia, Croatia, Malta and Greece

(references for Greece: Pamperis (2009), Anastassiu et al. (2010), Martinou et al.

(2011)). Introduced single specimens also recorded in S England, Holland, Belgium

and Germany, in all of which the butterfly is incapable of breeding. Range, excluding

recent introduction into the Palaearctic: S Africa, but absent from Namaqualand,

Bushmanland, the Karoo and western half of N Cape. Distribution and status on Mt.

Imittos: very common on the eastern foothills of the mountain, almost exclusively in

the vicinity of cultivated geraniums and pelargoniums.

21. Cupido (Cupido) osiris (Meigen, [1829]) (not figured; coll. Coutsis)

Inhabits all of mainland Greece, Peloponnissos, and at least two of the Greek islands,

i.e. Chios and Limnos, but nowhere common. Flies from March till September in

what appear to be two broods, and at altitudes ranging from sea level to about 2000 m.

Range: Central and S Europe, Asia Minor, Caucasus, Transcaucasia, N Iran,

temperate part of Central and W Asia. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: the

single specimen recorded, a male, was found on a slope facing west at 800 m,

10.v.1966. Apparently localized and rare on the mountain.

22. Glaucopsyche (Glaucopsyche) alexis (Poda, 1761) (Fig. 26)

A single brooded, spring / early summer butterfly, found throughout Greece and most

of its islands, but absent from Kríti. Flies at altitudes ranging from sea level to about

1800 m, and is locally fairly abundant. Range: Europe (absent from Britain, Ireland,

the northern part of the continent, Balearic Islands, Sardinia), Asia Minor, Near East

(absent from Cyprus), Caucasus, Transcaucasia, N Algeria, N Tunisia, in at least two

subspecies. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: found in small numbers in

scattered colonies over most of the mountain’s range. European Red List: Vulnerable

- Species of European Conservation Concern (SPEC 3: threatened in Europe).

23. Pseudophilotes vicrama (Moore, 1865) (Figs 28-30)

A common but localized species throughout Greece and most of its islands, flying in

two broods from March till July, at altitudes ranging from sea level to about 2000 m,

and almost always near its larval host-plants, members of the genera Thymus and

Satureja. Range: S Finland, Poland, NE Germany, Austria, Balkans, across Central

and SE Europe to Asia Minor, Near East, Iran, Central and E parts of temperate and

subtropical W Asia. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: common throughout.


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European Red List: Vulnerable - Species of European Conservation Concern (SPEC

3: threatened in Europe).

24. Aricia agestis ([Denis & Schiffermuller], 1775) (Fig. 31)

Common on mainland Greece, Peloponnissos, and fairly common to rare on a good

many Greek islands such as Evvoia, Kríti, Thassos, Samothraki, Limnos, Skiathos,

Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos, Nissiros, Simi, Rodos, Naxos, Egina, Spetses, Kerkira,

Zakinthos, Kefalonia, Lefkada. Flies in two or more generations from early spring till

late autumn, and from sea level to about 2000 m in altitude. Range: temperate and

subtropical parts of Europe, Corsica, W and Central Asia to W Mongolia and

Afghanistan, Asia Minor, Near East (Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel). Distribution and

status on Mt. Imittos: quite common almost everywhere.

25. Polyommatus (Polyommatus) icarus (Rottembourg, 1775) (Fig. 32)

A common species all over Greece, including most of its islands such as Evvoia,

Thassos, Samothraki, Limnos, Skiathos, Skiros, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria,

Patmos, Leros, Kalimnos, Kos, Nissiros, Tilos, Rodos, Karpathos, Kríti, Naxos,

Paros, Mikonos, Sifnos, Amorgos, Íos, Santorini, Astipalea, Tzia, Andros, Egina,

Spetses, Kerkira, Zakinthos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Kithira. Flies from early spring often

till early winter in a succession of broods, and from sea level to over 2000 m in

altitude. Range: temperate and subtropical Europe and Asia. In Sardinia, Balearic and

Canary Islands, S Spain and NW Africa substituted by the similar but recently

considered as a separate species, Polyommatus (Polyommatus) celina (Austaut, 1879).

Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: common almost everywhere.

26. Polyommatus (Meleageria) daphnis ([Denis & Schiffermuller], 1775) (Fig. 33)

Found throughout mainland Greece and Peloponnissos. Absent from Greek islands

except Evvoia. Often common on limestone mountains. Single brooded, flying in June

through first half of August at altitudes ranging from about 400 m to about 2000 m.

Range: Spain across S and Central Europe to southern foothills of Ural Mountains;

Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Asia Minor, W Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, in a number of

subspecies. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: Quite numerous in early June on W

facing slopes with exposed limestone rock formations at an altitude of about 600 m.

Species of European Conservation Concern (SPEC 4b: not threatened in Europe).

27. Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) admetus (Esper, [1783]) (not figured; coll.

Ghavalas)

Found quite commonly throughout mainland Greece and Peloponnissos, but absent

from all Greek islands. Flies in a single brood from June till early August at altitudes

ranging from about 400 m to about 2000 m. Range: Hungary, Romania, across

Balkans and Asia Minor to S Transcaucasia. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: a

rare species; the single recorded specimen was found on the western foothills of the

mountain at an altitude of about 400 m on 20.vi.1984.

Family: Nymphalidae

Subfamily: Satyrinae

28. Pararge aegeria (Linnaeus, 1758) (not figured)


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Found locally throughout mainland Greece and Peloponnissos, almost exclusively in

damp places. Recorded also from the islands of Kriti, where exceptionally it also flies

in all sorts of dry areas, Thassos, Samothraki, Skiathos, Skopelos, Evvoia, Andros,

Lesvos, Samos, Kos, Karpathos, Kithira, Kerkira. It is on the wing from April till

October, exceptionally December, in at least two broods, and is found at altitudes

ranging from sea level to about 2000 m. Range: NW Africa, Europe, except far north,

British Isles, Ireland, Balearic Islands, Madeira (recently probably introduced), all

major Mediterranean islands, Asia Minor to Central and S Urals, Near East, Iran, in

two recognized morphs usually viewed as subspecies. Distribution and status on Mt.

Imittos: Rare and restricted to a few damp localities.

29. Lasiommata megera (Linnaeus, 1767) (Fig. 34,35)

A common butterfly throughout mainland Greece and Peloponnissos, also inhabiting

the majority of Greek islands. Flies in several broods from March till end October,

and at altitudes ranging from sea level to over 2000 m. Range: Europe (except far

north and extreme E; absent also from the islands of Corsica and Sardinia, in both

being substituted by the related Pararge paramegaera (Hübner, [1824]); NW Africa,

Libya, Cyprus, Asia Minor, Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Near East, Iran, S

Turkmenistan. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: quite common throughout.

30. Coenonympha pamphilus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 36)

Locally quite common throughout mainland Greece and Peloponnissos. Also found

on some Greek islands such as Evvoia, Thassos, Skiathos, Lesvos, Kerkira, Lefkada,

Kefalonia, Zakinthos; numbers declining in some areas; absent from Kríti.. Flies in a

succession of broods from late March till late October, and at altitudes ranging from

sea level to about 2000 m. Range: Europe except N and E, NW Africa, Asia Minor,

Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Near East, Iran, S Turkmenistan; absent from

Mediterranean islands of Corsica, Sardinia and Cyprus. Distribution and status on Mt.

Imittos: locally quite common throughout.

31. Maniola jurtina (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 38)

Common all over mainland Greece, in Peloponnissos, and practically all Greek

islands except those facing Asia Minor. Single brooded, flying from end April till mid

June, after which it aestivates and reappears on the wing from September till end

October. Females observed dropping eggs in flight end October. Found from sea level

to an altitude of about 2000 m. Range: Europe, except N Fennoscandia and N Russian

Federation; Canary Islands, NW Africa, Asia Minor, Caucasus, Transcaucasia, NE

Iraq, N Iran, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan. Distribution and status on Mt.

Imittos: common throughout.

32. Hyponephele lycaon (Rottemburg, 1775) (Fig. 37)

A species found locally in all of mainland Greece and Peloponnissos. It has also been

recorded on the islands of Evvoia, Samos, Ithaki. Flies in a single generation from

June till August, and from about 400 m to about 2000 m in altitude. Range: Europe

(except SW Pyrenees, British Isles, N and Central France, Belgium, Holland,

Scandinavia, N and Central Finland, N Russian Federation), Caucasus, Transcaucasia,

Asia Minor, Near East, N Iraq, N Iran, temperate Asia, in a number of subspecies.

Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: quite rare throughout.

33. Pseudochazara anthelea (Hübner, [1824]) (not figured; coll. Coutsis)


34

This species is found in scattered colonies throughout mainland Greece and

Peloponnissos (in both as ssp. amalthea (Frivaldsky, [1845]). It has also been

recorded from the Greek islands of Evvoia, Kriti (in both as ssp. amalthea), Lesvos,

Chios, Samos, Kos, Rodos (in all five as the Asiatic ssp. anthelea). An essentially

mountain species flying in a single brood from late May till August (according to

altitude), and from about 400 m to about 2000 m in altitude. In Peloponnissos often

locally very numerous. Range: Balkans, Kriti, Turkey, and possibly NW Iran.

Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: decidedly rare. Single record on W slopes, at

650 m, on 6.vi.1973.

34. Hipparchia (Hipparchia) syriaca (Staudinger, 1871) (Fig. 40)

An inhabitant of dry forests, this species is distributed throughout mainland Greece

and Peloponnissos. It also inhabits the islands of Evvoia, Thassos, Samothraki,

Skiathos, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Rodos, Kerkira, Kefalonia. May be told apart from

the similar looking Hipparchia fagi (Scopoli, 1763), an inhabitant usually of wetter

forests, by differences in their respective genitalia. It flies in one generation usually

from June (rarely end March) till beginning October and at altitudes ranging from sea

level to about 2000 m. Range: Balkans, S Romania, Asia Minor, Cyprus, Caucasus,

Transcaucasia, N Iraq, W Iran, Near East. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos:

numerous mainly in the forested areas (Pinus halepensis).

35. Hipparchia (Parahipparchia) senthes Fruhstorfer, 1908 (Fig. 41,42)

This butterfly, recently separated from Hipparchia (Parahipparchia) aristaeus

(Bonelli, 1826), of which it was once considered a subspecies, cannot be separated

from the other member of the subgenus, often flying with it on the Greek mainland

and Peloponnissos (Hipparchia (Parahipparchia) volgensis (Mazochin-Porshnjakov,

1952)), other than by genitalia. All past records of this butterfly, not based on

genitalia, are therefore considered unreliable. Its Greek distribution presented here is

derived exclusively from genitalic evidence. The species inhabits areas in Central, S

and E Pelopónnissos, as well as Central, S, N and NE mainland Greece. It has also

been recorded from the Greek islands of Evvia, Thassos, Skiros, Lesvos, Chios,

Samos, Andros, Tzia, Siros, Paros, Sifnos, Milos, Santorini, Egina, Idra, Spetses. It is

single brooded and flies from May till late October, and from sea level to an altitude

of about 2000 m. Range: Balkans (Greece, F.Y.R.O.Macedonia, S and Central

Bulgaria), W half of Asia Minor. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: quite

common in most places.

36. Hipparchia (Neohipparchia) statilinus (Hufnagel, 1766) (Fig. 44)

Scattered throughout mainland Greece and Peloponnissos. Absent from most Greek

islands other than Evvoia, Thassos, Kithira, Elafonnissos, Kerkira, Kefalonia. Single

brooded, it is on the wing from late June / early July till October, and at altitudes

ranging from sea level to about 2000 m. Range: NW Africa, W, Central and S Europe,

extending E to the Volga region of Russian Federation; Asia Minor, Caucasus,

Transcaucasia, NW Iran. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: Not uncommon in

bushy as well as wooded places throughout mountain. Species of European

Conservation Concern (SPEC 4b: not threatened in Europe).

37. Hipparchia (Neohipparchia) fatua (Freyer, 1844) (Fig. 43)

Distribution on mainland Greece and Peloponnissos as for previous species. Inhabits

also the Greek islands of Evvoia, Thassos, Limnos, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos,


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Nissiros, Tilos, Simi, Rodos, Egina, Poros, Idra, Spetses, Kithira, Kefalonia.

Phenology as for previous species, but found more often in coastal habitats. Range:

Balkans, Asia Minor, Near East, N Iraq, Iran, Transcaucasia. Distribution and status

on Mt. Imittos: as for previous species.

38. Satyrus ferula (Fabricius, 1793) (Fig. 45,46)

A common species throughout all of mainland Greece and Peloponnissos. Recorded

also from the Greek islands of Egina, Ídra. Flies in one generation from late May till

September and at altitudes ranging from about 200 m to about 2000 m. Range:

temperate zone of Palaearctic, from Atlas Mts. and Pyrenees in the W to Far Eastern

Russian Federation and E China in the E. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: a

common butterfly throughout mountain, but preferring rocky habitat.

39. Melanargia larissa (Geyer, [1828]) (Fig. 39)

A very common species on mainland Greece and Peloponnissos. It has also been

recorded from the Greek islands of Evvoia, Samothraki, Limnos, Lesvos, Andros,

Siros, Egina, Idra, Kerkira. Single brooded and usually on the wing from May till

about end July, at altitudes ranging from sea level to about 2000 m. Range: from

Balkans and Asia Minor to Dagestan, Transcaucasia, NE Iraq, W Iran. Distribution

and status on Mt. Imittos: a common butterfly throughout mountain. Species of

European Conservation Concern (SPEC 4a: not threatened in Europe).

Subfamily: Danainae

40. Danaus chrysippus (Linnaeus, 1758) (not figured)

Exact status and phenology in Greece not well understood. Forms coastal colonies,

most of them temporary, a few resident (Peloponnissos), almost exclusively in river

deltas and estuaries. Being a migratory species and an opportunist and wanderer, it

often collectively changes locations probably in quest of new larval host-plant supply

(Gomphocarpus fruticosus). Massive N – S migrations have been observed mainly in

October over E coastal Peloponnissos, Spetses and Paros islands. Flies in a succession

of broods throughout the warm season, making its first appearance in Peloponnissos

in late May. Found from sea level, rarely to about 200 m in altitude. Range: Africa,

Canary Islands, coastal areas of S Portugal, S and SE Spain, W Italy, W Montenegro,

W Albania, coastal E and W Greece, all larger Mediterranean islands, S and SW Asia

Minor, Near East, subtropical and tropical Asia, Australia. Distribution and status on

Mt. Imittos: may be rarely expected anywhere on the mountain in October as a

migrant, most probably at altitudes below 200 m. So far only once observed there by

the author (26. ix. 2012).

Subfamily: Charaxinae

41. Charaxes jasius (Linnaeus, 1767) (Fig. 47,48)

Scattered mainly throughout coastal mainland Greece (probably with the exclusion of

Thraki) and Peloponnissos. Found also on the Greek islands of Kriti, Evvoia, Chios,

Samos, Rodos, Thassos, Skiathos Skopelos, Skiros, Spetses, Kerkira. Flies in two

broods, late April till end June and end July till mid October, at altitudes ranging from

sea level to about 1000 m, and almost exclusively in the vicinity of Arbutus trees, its

larval host-plant. Range: coastal areas of S Europe, N Africa, Asia Minor, Near East,

all larger Mediterranean islands. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: Very rare,


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having been observed by the author only once at eastern foothills. Another individual

was observed and photographed by Linda Young (pers. com.), on 31 May 2013, at the

NW foothills (Agia Paraskevi, alt. 400m.).

Subfamily: Limenitidinae

42. Limenitis reducta Staudinger, 1901 (Fig. 50,51)

Distibuted all over mainland Greece and Peloponnissos. It has also been recorded

from the Greek islands of Evvoia, Thasos, Samothraki, Limnos, Skiathos, Skiros,

Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Rodos, Nissiros, Kithira, Kriti, Sapientza (off SW

Peloponnisos), Spetses, Kerkira, Kefalonia, Zakinthos. The butterfly is found in fair

numbers and always in the vicinity of Lonicera spp., its larval host-plant. It flies in

two or more generations from end April till beginning October and at altitudes

ranging from sea level to about 2000 m. Range: Mediterranean, parts of temperate

Europe (Iberian Peninsula to S European Russia), Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Asia

Minor, Near East, NE Iraq, Iran, S Turkmenistan. Distribution and status on Mt.

Imittos: locally not uncommon, especially in wooded areas facing W.

Subfamily: Nymphalinae

43. Vanessa atalanta (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 52)

Being a very energetic migrant it can be commonly found everywhere on the Greek

mainland and Peloponnissos, and potentially on all Greek islands. It is continuously

brooded and is on the wing practically all year around, and weather permitting, often

appears in mid winter, emerging from disrupted hibernation. It can be met with from

sea level to over 2000 m in altitude. Range: W Palaearctic (except extreme Arctic), N

America to Guatemala, Haiti. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: common

throughout.

44. Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 53)

As with V. atalanta, this species as well is a very strong migrant and can be found all

over Greece and its islands. During migratory outbursts it is undoubtedly the

dominant species around. A multi brooded butterfly which, weather permitting, can be

on the wing from as early as end February to as late as end November. Found at all

altitudes. Populations replenished each summer by migrations from N Africa.

Survives winters in southern, seaside locations, where after successful hibernation it

may appear on the wing in tattered condition in late February / early March. Range:

Almost cosmopolitan, rare vagrant in Australia; absent from New Zealand and S

America (reported only from Venezuela). Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos:

common throughout.

45. Polygonia egea (Cramer, [1775]) (Fig. 49)

Found locally in small numbers everywhere on Greek mainland and Peloponnissos.

Inhabits also the Greek islands of Thassos, Samothraki, Limnos, Lesvos, Chios,

Samos, Kos, Patmos, Nissiros, Tilos, Simi, Katelorizo, Karpathos, Kriti, Kithira,

Evvoia, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skiros, Sifnos, Paros, Íos, Santorini, Égina, Idra, Spetses,

Kerkira, Kefalonia, Zakinthos. Being at least double-brooded it is on the wing from

March till October and at altitudes ranging from sea level to about 2000 m. Range:

essentially Mediterranean; S France, Corsica, Italy, Balkans, Asia Minor, Near East,


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Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Iran, mountains of Central Asia. Distribution and status on

Mt. Imittos: localized at lower elevations and not numerous.

Subfamily: Argynninae

46. Argynnis (Pandoriana) pandora ([Schiffermüller], 1775) (not figured)

A rather common butterfly inhabiting all of mainland Greece, Peloponnissos, and a

number of Greek islands such as Evvoia, Kriti, Thassos, Samothraki, Limnos,

Skiathos, Skiros, Lesvos; occasionally also recorded from Spetses island in September

as a vagrant. Flies in one generation from June till October, and at altitudes ranging

from sea level to about 2000 m. Range: S Europe, SW Asia (Asia Minor

Transcaucasia and Near East) to Altai and Chitral; Canary Islands, NW Africa.

Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: may be met with anywhere on mountain,

probably as an uncommon vagrant.

Subfamily: Melitaeinae

47. Melitaea telona Fruhstorfer, 1907 (Figs 54,55)

Exact distribution in Greece not well known due to confusion with similar looking

and recently separated Melitaea phoebe (Goeze, 1779). Has been reliably recorded in

Peloponnissos, S and Central Mainland Greece, xeric areas in N Greece, as well as on

the islands of Egina, Poros, Spetses and Lesvos. Flies in one brood in May / June, and

at altitudes between sea level and about 2000 m. Range: SW France, S Italy, Sicily,

Hungary, S Balkans, Asia Minor, SE part of European Russia, NW Kazakhstan.

Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: scattered throughout mountain but not overly

common.

Superfamily: Hesperioidea

Family: Hesperiidae

48. Carcharodus alceae (Esper, [1780]) (Figs 46-48)

Common throughout mainland Greece, Peloponnissos, and the majority of Greek

islands. Flies in at least three generations from March till early November, and from

sea level to about 2000 m in altitude. Range: S and Central Europe from Iberian

Peninsula to Ural Mountains, Mediterranean islands, Asia Minor, Transcaucasia,

Caucasus, NW Kazakhstan, Near East, Egypt (coastal areas and Sinai Peninsula),

Yemen, temperate and sub-tropical W and Central Asia. Distribution and status on

Mt. Imittos: found at all altitudes, but commoner at lower ones.

49. Carcharodus orientalis Reverdin, 1913 (not figured; coll. Coutsis)

Locally abundant throughout mainland Greece and Peloponnissos, but absent from

many Greek islands except Andros, Evvoia, Egina, Lesvos, Limnos and Skiathos, in

all of which it is rare. The butterfly flies from sea level to over 2000 m in altitude.

Range: Central and S Balkans, W Hungary, E Romania, S and SE Ukraine, S

European Russia, Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Asia Minor, NE Iraq, N Iran, Near East.

Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: sporadic throughout mountain and rare.

50. Spialia orbifer (Hübner, [1823]) (Figs 59,60)


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An abundant species on mainland Greece, Peloponnissos, and a number of Greek

islands such as Thasos, Limnos, Skiathos, Skiros, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Rodos,

Tilos, Simi, Egina, Spetses, Kithira, Kefalonia, Zakinthos. Flies in at least two broods

from April till October, and from sea level to an altitude of about 2000 m. Range:

Sicily, Hungary, Balkan Peninsula, Asia Minor, SE Europe, Near East, Iran to

mountains of Central Asia and Far East. Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos:

abundant everywhere.

51. Muschampia proto (Ochsenheimer, 1808) (Figs 61,62)

Fairly abundant throughout mainland Greece and Peloponnissos, and also recorded

from the Greek islands of Simi, Tilos, Spetses, Kithira. Flies in a single brood from

June till September and at altitudes ranging from sea level to about 1600 m. Range:

NW Africa, Iberian Peninsula, S France, S Italy, Sicily, W and S Balkans, S Asia

Minor, SE Ukraine, NW and NE Caucasus, Iran, coastal Lebanon and Syria, Israel, W

Jordan, S European Russia, NW Kazakhstan, in a number of subspecies. Distribution

and status on Mt. Imittos: abundant throughout, mostly at middle heights.

52. Thymelicus acteon (Rottembourg, 1775) (Figs 63,64)

Found commonly throughout mainland Greece, Peloponnissos, as well as a good

number of Greek islands such as Evvoia, Thasos, Limnos, Skiathos, Lesvos, Chios,

Samos, Kos, Tilos, Rodos, Kriti, Kithira, Andros, Siros, Paros, Milos, Santoríni,

Kerkira, Zakinthos. Flies in what appear to be two generations from April till

September, and at altitudes ranging from sea level to about 2000 m. Range: Canary

Islands, NW Africa, S, Central and parts of N and SE Europe, S part of British Isles,

Sicily, Cyprus, Asia Minor, W Syria, Lebanon, W Iran, in a number of subspecies.

Distribution and status on Mt. Imittos: common throughout. European Red List:

Species of European Conservation Concern (SPEC 2: threatened in Europe).

53. Thymelicus sylvestris (Poda, 1761) (Figs 65,66)

Abundant throughout mainland Greece, Peloponnissos, and also recorded from the

Greek islands of Evvoia, Thasos, Limnos, Skiathos, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kalimnos,

Kos, Tilos, Simi, Kithira, Kerkira, Kefalonia. Flies in one brood from May till

September, and at altitudes ranging from sea level to about 2000 m. Range: NW

Africa, Europe except extreme northern part, S and Central Britain, Sicily, Asia

Minor, Transcaucasia, Near East, NE Iraq, N Iran, in two subspecies. Distribution and

status on Mt. Imittos: common throughout. European Conservation Concern (SPEC

4b: not threatened in Europe.

3. Unconfirmed records

Taxa not observed by the present author on Mt. Imittos, but recorded previously by

others (old literature data obtained from L. Pamperis (pers. comm.), are the following:

Celastrina argiolus (Linnaeus, 1758), Freyeria trochylus (Freyer, [1845]),

Polyommatus thersites (Cantener, [1835]), Hipparchia volgensis delattini Kudrna,

1975, Pyrgus malvae (Linnaeus, 1758), Spialia phlomidis (Herrich-Schäffer, [1845])

and Carcharodus flocciferus (Zeller, 1847). Despite the fact that the first three of

these species are eventually expected to be found on Mt. Imittos, the existence there

of H. volgensis delattini, P. malvae, and especially C. flocciferus is highly

improbable.


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4. Acknowledgments

Τhe author is grateful to John G. Coutsis for reviewing the present paper, adding

distributional and phenological information, as well as three further taxa to the list of

recorded species, to Lazaros Pamperis for providing old unconfirmed literature

records for Mt. Imittos, as well as making very useful comments, and to Nick

Ghavalas for allowing the publication of his record of P. (A.) admetus. Also, to Linda

Young for personal communication and photographs on Charaxes jasius.

5. Literature

Anastasiou, H., Ghavalas, N. & Coutsis, J. 2010. First record of Cacyreus marshalli

in Greece, and comments on the potential occurrence of Zizeeria karsandra on the

Greek island of Crete (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae): Phegea 38(3): 84

Gouvas, M. & Theodoropoulos, K. 2007. Life-form and chorological spectra of the

vegetation units of Mount Hymettus (C Greece). – J. Biol. Res. – Thessalon. 8:

177–187.

Κemal, M. & Koçak, A.Ö. 2011. A synonymical, and distributional checklist of the

Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea of East Mediterranean countries, including Turkey

(Lepidoptera). – Priamus (Suppl.) 25: 1–162.

Marko, K. & Verovnik, R. 2009. First record of Cacyreus marshalli (Lycaenidae)

from the Balkan Peninsula. – Nota lepid. 32(1): 81–82.

Μartinou, A.F., Papachristos, D. & Milonas, P.G. 2011. Report of the Geranium

Bronze Butterfly, Cacyreus marshalli, for mainland Greece, short communication.

– Hellenic Plant Protection Journal 4: 31–34.

Pamperis, L. N. 2009. The butterflies of Greece. – Pamperis Editions.

Van Swaay, C.A.M. & Warren, M.S. 1999. Red Data book of European butterflies

(Rhopalocera). Nature and Environment No. 99. – Council of Europe Publishing,

Strasbourg.


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Fig. 4 Zerynthia polyxena Fig. 5 Zerynthia polyxena

Fig. 6 Papilio machaon

Fig. 7 Papilio alexanor


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Fig. 8 Iphiclides podalirius

Fig. 9 Euchloe ausonia

Fig. 10 Anthocharis cardamines Fig. 11 Anthocharis cardamines


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Fig. 12 Pontia edusa

Fig. 13 Pieris brassicae Fig. 14 Pieris rapae

Fig. 15 Pieris krueperi Fig. 16 Pieris krueperi


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Fig. 17 Colias croceus

Fig. 18 Gonepteryx cleopatra

Fig. 19 Gonepteryx farinosa


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Fig. 20 Callophrys rubi Fig. 21 Satyrium ilicis

Fig. 22 Lampides boeticus Fig. 23 Leptotes pirithous

Fig. 24 Lycaena phlaeas


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Fig. 25 Lycaena phlaeas Fig. 26 Glaucopsyche alexis

Fig. 27 Cacyreus marshalli Fig. 28 Pseudophilotes vicrama

Fig. 29 Pseudophilotes vicrama


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Fig. 30 Pseudophilotes vicrama

Fig. 31 Aricia agestis Fig. 32 Polyommatus icarus

Fig. 33 Polyommatus daphnis


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Fig. 34 Lassiomata megera Fig. 35 Lassiomata megera

Fig. 36 Coenonympha pamphilus Fig. 37 Hyponephele lycaon

Fig. 38 Maniola jurtina Fig. 39 Melanargia larissa

Fig. 40 Hipparchia syriaca


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Fig. 41 Hipparchia senthes Fig. 42 Hipparchia senthes

Fig. 43 Hipparchia fatua Fig. 44 Hipparchia statilinus

Fig. 45 Satyrus ferula Fig. 46 Satyrus ferula


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Fig. 47 Charaxes jasius (photo Linda Young) Fig. 48 Charaxes jasius (photo

Linda Young)

Fig. 49 Polygonia egea

Fig. 50 Limenitis reducta Fig. 51 Limenitis reducta


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Fig. 52 Vanessa atalanta Fig.53 Vanessa cardui

Fig. 54 Melitaea telona Fig. 55 Melitaea telona

Fig. 56 Carcharodus alceae Fig. 57 Carcharodus alceae

Fig. 58 Carcharodus

alceae


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Fig. 59 Spialia orbifer Fig. 60 Spialia orbifer

Fig. 61 Muschampia proto Fig. 62 Muschampia proto

Fig. 63 Thymelicus acteon Fig. 64 Thymelicus action

Fig. 65 Thymelicus sylvestris Fig. 66 Thymelicus sylvestris


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INDEX OF GENERA

Anthocharis 28

Argynnis 37

Aricia 32

Cacyreus 31

Callophrys 30

Carcharodus 37

Charaxes 35,36

Coenonympha 33

Colias 29

Cupido 31

Danaus 35

Euchloe 28

Glaucopsyche 31

Gonepteryx 29,30

Hipparchia 34,35

Hyponephele 33

Iphiclides 27

Lampides 30

Lasiommata 33

Leptotes 31

Limenitis 36

Lycaena 30

Maniola 33

Melanargia 35

Melitaea 37

Muschampia 38

Papilio 27

Pararge 32,33

Pieris 28,29

Polygonia 36

Polyommatus 32

Pontia 28

Pseudochazara 34

Pseudophilotes 31

Satyrium 30

Satyrus 35

Spialia 37,38

Thymelicus 38

Vanessa 36,37

Zerynthia 27

The butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea & Hesperioidea) of Mt. Imittos, Attiki, Greece

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Transcript of The butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea & Hesperioidea) of Mt. Imittos, Attiki, Greece