A species who’s distribution in Europe lies predominantly within Spain, but also extending into Portugal and southern France. It is a rather nondescript species who’s primary identifying features are the presence of reddish underside spots with vague black edging and a rather indistinct white line running down the underside wings. The female of the subspecies illiciodes which occurs in Spain has flashes of orange on the otherwise dull brown upperside. It can reportedly be quite common in suitable habitats, although I have never had much luck in finding it and have only come across it once.

Distribution: Most of the Iberian peninsula (except the NW and N) and southern France as far east as the Alpes-Maritimes. Also Ibiza and Mallorca.

Flight Period: Late May-Mid August, peaking in June and July in most areas.

Habitat: Dry oak woodland, sparsely wooded maquis, bushy hillsides.

Foodplants: Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) and Kermes Oak (Q. coccifera).

Nectar Sources: Field Eryngo (Eryngium campestre), brambles (Rubus), Curryplant (Helichrysum italicum) and Sideritis among others.

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