Great Orme Grayling Hipparchia semele ssp thyone
Somewhat higher on the cliffs than the hordes of Western Silver Studded Blues (Plebeius argus ssp caernensis), the Great Orme Graylings were patrolling the sun warmed limestone outcrops. Occasionally fighting trespassing Graylings and basking on the rocks or grass, these quite quick flying butterflies were present in good numbers in June 2010. I have heard reports that they are often to be found in large numbers in the south facing Haulfre gardens too.
The differences between this sub species and the main sub species (ssp semele) aren't very obvious but there is a definite orangey tint to parts of the under side of the Great Orme Grayling which is not present on the larger main sub species.
The larval food plants are grasses and are said to include Festuca ovina (Sheep's fescue), Festuca rubra (Red Fescue), Agrostis curtisii (Bristle Bent), Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted hair-grass) and Airea praecox (Early Hair-grass) and of these the only one I saw in good quantity was Festuca rubra (surprise).
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| Great Orme Grayling Hipparchia semele ssp thyone |
Great Orme, Happy valley June 16th 2010 and north facing rocks 6th July 2006
Added on June 17th 2010