(Schneider, 1792)
Arctic Grayling
Description:
The Arctic Grayling mostly occurs on almost bare mountain slopes, and on dry, stony ground with a vegetation of low grasses, mosses and lichens. At high altitudes, the butterflies fly along slopes and narrow ledges that offer shelter from the westerly winds. Especially the females are also found on damper ground, looking for nectar plants.
The eggs are laid on Sheep's-fescue (Festuca ovina), preferably on tussocks growing in the shelter of rocks or shrubs.
It takes two years for the egg to develop into a butterfly, and the caterpillars hibernate twice.
Habitat:
Alpine grasslands
Heath and shrub
Screes
Inland cliffs and exposed rocks
Humid grasslands
Similar species:
Oeneis norna
Oeneis glacialis