At a glance this species resembles a large Gegenes skipper, but is browner in colour with several small white spots on the underside of the wings. It is a fast-flying and wary species which can be difficult to approach (and photograph!) , particularly the males, which perch territorially on low-growing vegetation.
Distribution: In Europe, limited to the Greek Islands close to the Turkish coast including Lesvos, Rhodes, Chios and Samos. It is also found along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey and on Cyprus. It has occasionally been found in the northeast of the Greek mainland.
Flight Period: Flies in several generations per year between May-October. It is apparently more abundant in late summer and autumn.
Habitat: Inhabits dry riverbeds, hot brownfield land and flowery fields, usually quite close to sea level and sometimes in rather urbanised areas.
Foodplants: Larva feed on various robust grasses (Poaceae).
Nectar Sources: Various flowers in the mint and daisy families (Lamiaceae and Asteraceae). In Turkey, I observed it feeding on buglosses (Echium sp.).