Melanargia larissa

302_6861 [Melanargia larissa]

 

Melanargia larissa is a widespread, attractive and easily recognized butterfly

in spite of variations existing within the same Genus.

 

It flies low to the ground with a slow flight from May to August

in altitudes from sea level to 1800m

in regions of SE Europe and West Asia.

 

In Greece, it is usually observed in clearings, forest roads, cultivated areas,

or grassland with lots of flowers.

 

 

302_0267 [Melanargia larissa]

Melanargia larissa in a resting position

with both fore and hind wings wide open.

 

The wingspan is about 50 to 55mm.

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha.

 

 

Colias crocea

302_6240 [Colias crocea]

 

Colias crocea: a common, intense-yellow butterfly that flies all over Greece.

It is observed in 2 or 3 generations from February to November

in almost any open habitat from sea level to 2500m.

 

It flies rapidly from flower to flower

and while it feeds, it is always on the alert,

never staying on the same flower for more than 4-5 seconds at a time.

 

While feeding, it always keeps its wings closed.

 

Wingspan: 45-50 mm

 

Photographed in Southern Peloponnese

 

 

Parnassius apollo

304_3304 [Parnassius apollo]

Parnassius apollo flies from July to end of August on high altitudes (1000-2300m)

of almost all mountains from Spain through Europe to Central Asia.

This is why it is often called “mountain apollo”.

 

It prefers mountain fields and forests

but above the tree line it looks for rocky slopes.

It is very rarely found in shadowy and wet places.

 

Its populations vary from locally restricted to dense or extinct.

This is why it is completely or partially protected

in almost all countries where it flies

and is considered of a great interest to any collector.

 

A fairly large (70-80mm), beautiful butterfly with vivid colors and designs,

attractive to humans but threatening to predators!

 

A note, perhaps of interest, to photographers: 

The Apollo is rather lethargic. It stays for long periods on flowers

keeping the wings entirely open

and so it provides opportunities for a close view or a closeup photography.

 

The picture was taken on Mt. Oiti, central Greece.

 

 

 

 

Cynthia cardui

804_1061 [Cynthia cardui]
 

Cynthia cardui (also known as “Vanessa cardui”) is widespread all over Greece

where it flies from sea level to 2.500m in all sorts of habitats,

even in gardens and parks in domestic areas.

It is observed in two generations from March to November.

 

Every year, it migrates from North Africa and the Mediterranean basin

to Europe, West Asia and many more areas.

 

 

804_1066 [Cynthia cardui]

 Its wing span is about 55-60mm.

 

In the picture above, she is feeding on nectar from flowers.

It is one of those moments when she is usually oblivious of an observer

and provides a photographer a good opportunity to press the trigger on the camera.

 

Both pictured were taken on Mt. Hymittos on Oct. 20, 2023 

Papilio machaon

801-9864 [Papilio machaon]

 

Papilio machaon - a common but beautiful butterfly - is resting

on a Phlomis fruticosa plant and collecting energy from the sun

so that she has enough “fuel” for the rest of the day.

 

Wingspan 70-80 cm

Flight period: February to November

 

 

 

804_0427 [Papilio machaon]

 

machaon’s caterpillar

 

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos in 2022

Limenitis reducta

803_5001 [Limenitis reducta]

803_5000 [Limenitis reducta]

This butterfly is fairly common in most of southern Europe with the exception of Spain. It favors open woodlands, forest edges and flies from May to July in levels up to 1500 m. Its wingspan is about 5 cm.

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on June 08, 2019

Thimelicus sylvestris

304_6593 [Thimelicus sylvestris]

304_6602 [Thimelicus sylvestris]

One of the most widespread butterflies in Europe.
It flies to all kinds of grassy places from sea level to 2000m!

Both photographed at Schinias on May 03, 2018

Vanessa cardui

802_6958 [Vanessa cardui]

Vanessa cardui, a regular visitor to our garden, feeding on the flower Lantana camara [here]

Photographed in Holargos on October 03, 2016

An amazing transformation

Pieris brassicae - larva

CCC1140 [Pieris brassicae - larva]

Walking on the rocks of the Acropolis, I nearly stepped on this “ugly”, some might say “repulsive” creature that was moving in front of me carefree and unaware of the danger she was exposed to. I would have bypassed her indifferently if I hadn’t noticed the yellow lines and black spots along her body that reminded me of the well-known and common butterfly called Pieris brasicae.

I took the picture out of habit, having no use of it in mind. Well … not until now!

Photographed on December 18, 2010

Pieris brassicae - adult

802_6977 [Pieris brassicae - adult]

A few weeks ago I was happy to have a “close encounter” in our garden with this butterfly. This airy, beautiful Pieris brassicae that once was “ugly” and “repulsive”.

What an amazing transformation!

What a miracle of life ... which, however, does not often get our full attention!

Photographed in Holargos on October 03, 2016

I came across a short well-written article on the Internet the other day describing a butterfly’s life cycle.
 If you' re interested, you can follow this link:

http://www.thebutterflysite.com/life-cycle.shtml

Papilio alexanor

802_3733 [Papilio alexanor]

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on April 15, 2016

Colias crocea

AAA2944 [Colias crocea]

Photographed on Mt. Taygetos on July 20, 2008

Iphiclides podalirius

801_6794 [Iphiclides podalirius]

Photographed on the island of Aigina on August 07, 2014

Zerynthia polyxena

801_3272 [Zerynthia polyxena]

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on March 24, 2014

Aporia crataegi

DDD_2208 [Aporia crataegi]

Mt. Geraneia: 24/04/2013, photo by Tony Taglides

Parnassius apollo

AAA3101 [Parnassius apollo]

Mt. Oiti: 26/07/2008, photo by Tony Taglides

Zerynthia polyxena

DDD-1781 [Zerynthia polyxena]

Mt. Parnitha: 11/04/2013, photo by Tony Taglides

Colias crocea

BBB7626 [Colias crocea]

Kerkini: 06/06/2010, photo © Tony Taglides

Papilio machaon

CCC_7004 [Papilio machaon]

Mt. Hymittos: 06/04/2012, photo © Tony Taglides

Maniola jurdina

 ΑAΑ2460 [Maniola jurdina]

Mt.  Kytheronas 08/06/2008, photo © Tony Taglides

Cethosia cyane

Canon 057 [Cethosia cyane]

Malaysia: 26/01/2005, photo © Tony Taglides