Melanargia galathea

From "melas" (black) and "galateia" (i.e. "milky"), this gorgeous species could not but pay homage to a myth of ancient Greece and, in its case, it is Argia, princess of Argos. The distinctive black and white checkered pattern of this Nymphalid is quite different from that of other Satyrs, most of which have patterns in shades of brown and orange. The pattern on this butterfly is easily remembered by insectivorous birds, and is probably a form of aposematic coloration, manifesting the toxic nature of the butterfly. This species is distributed throughout most of Europe, but is absent from Portugal, most of Spain, most of the Mediterranean islands, and Scandinavia. Besides Europe, it is present in North Africa, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. It nests mainly on well-drained calcareous grasslands, typically found in huge colonies numbering hundreds or even thousands of individuals. The highest rates are found on ungrazed or very lightly grazed sites where the grass grows to waist height. Smaller colonies numbering a few dozen adults exist in some woodlands where they breed along unmowed grassy avenues or in large permanent clearings or glades. Although populations are normally very localized, the butterfly has excellent dispersal capabilities and is able to colonize new environments. The sexes mix freely and there does not appear to be any form of ritualized courtship or territorial behavior. They usually feed and rest with their wings closed, but on foggy afternoons or cloudy days they may be seen basking with their wings open, settled among low as well as tall grass. As dusk approaches, they move to sheltered areas where they settle on cornflower, thistle or orchid flowers. They perch upside down, often with several individuals sharing the same plant.