(Denis and Schiffermüller, 1775)
Rock Grayling
Description:
The Rock Grayling can be found at the edge of very open woodland on poor steppe-like grasslands, as found, for example, near open coniferous woods growing on sandy ground. In these habitats, there are usually rockmasses or other sorts of open ground. The butterfly often rests on the ground or against tree trunks, where the colours and pattern of the underside of its wings provide excellent camouflage.
The eggs are laid on different grasses, including fescues (Festuca spp.) and false-bromes (Brachypodium spp.).
The caterpillars grow very slowly and hibernate when half-grown in the litter layer. They pupate in a little hollow in the ground, after spinning a sort of cocoon.
The Rock Grayling has one brood a year.
Habitat:
Dry siliceous grasslands
Dry calcareous grasslands
Coniferous woodland
Deciduous forests
Similar species:
Hipparchia fagi
Brintesia circe