English name:
Woodland Grayling
Full scientific name:
Hipparchia fagi (Scopoli, 1763)
Croatian name:
Bukvin sivac
Flight Period and Life Cycle
1 brood per year. Overwinters as caterpillar.
Distribution in Croatia
The distribution map is questionable. It seems the species is more common in the northern coastal area and at the higher altitudes. Check the included map.
External Morphology Characteristics
The butterfly is very similar to Hipparchia syriaca. They overlap in the area of Dalmatia. Examination of the male genitalia is the reference method for separating two species. The upper side of the wings is brown with bright markings and a dark spot in apex. The comparison of the underside of the wings of Hipparchia semele, Hipparchia statilinus and Hipparchia fagi/syriaca complex is here.
Behavior
When lands, it keeps wings closed.
Caterpillar Host Plants
Family Poaceae.
Habitat
Woodland and woodland clearances on rocky terrains with grass. Elevations: 100-1700m.
Literature
Sbordoni V., Cesaroni D., Coutsis JG., Bozano GC.: Guide to the Butterflies of the Palearctic Region, Satyrinae Part V, (2018),
https://pamperis.gr/en/morphometrics-of-hipparchia-fagi-and-h-syriaca/ and https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2010.1089