Hi folks
The two photos show a butterfly I took photos of on Mount Chelmos in Southern Greece in mid June this year. At the time, I just thought it was an aberrant Blue of some sort. I still think it probably is. But I can't be sure.
I've considered it being a Chequered Blue, as the colours of the underside are similar. But the topside doesn't give a hint of that.
I've also considered Bavius Blue and Reverdins Blue, or at least aberations of them. Alternatively, I've wondered about aberrant Eastern Brown Argus.
Any ideas from anyone else? Thanks in advance
Paul
Unknown Blue
Re: Unknown Blue
Is that a stonecrop or a vetch she's ovipositing on, Paul?
Sedum is the LHP of Chequered Blue whilst I believe Reverdin's preferred choice is crown vetch.
Sedum is the LHP of Chequered Blue whilst I believe Reverdin's preferred choice is crown vetch.
Re: Unknown Blue
I think this is the taxon that, depending on which checklist you favour, is either Kretania or Plebejus or Plebejides sephirus or brethertoni. One of the Zephyr blues in the pylaon group. Help!!!
M.
M.
Re: Unknown Blue
I'm not entirely sure what the plant is. Don't think it was a Sedum though. It's definitely more like a vetch, but not sure it actually wasDavid M wrote:Is that a stonecrop or a vetch she's ovipositing on, Paul?
Sedum is the LHP of Chequered Blue whilst I believe Reverdin's preferred choice is crown vetch.
- Padfield
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Re: Unknown Blue
It's difficult enough placing 'typical' Plebejus butterflies, let alone aberrants like this. I agree with Mikhail that the taxon variously known as Plebejus/Kretania sephirus/sephirus brethertoni/pylaon brethertoni/brethertoni is a strong candidate and is known from Mt Chelmos (in fact, that's its type locality). Pamperis notes that brethertoni may have blue in the submarginal dark spots, as this individual appears to have. Brethertoni uses milk vetch as a foodplant (as do all the Kretania group).
Do you have any photos of non-aberrant blues flying in the same area?
Guy
PS - eurypilus (Eastern brown argus) is doubtfully recorded from Mt Chelmos according to Pamperis - i.e., there is at least one doubtful record.
Do you have any photos of non-aberrant blues flying in the same area?
Guy
PS - eurypilus (Eastern brown argus) is doubtfully recorded from Mt Chelmos according to Pamperis - i.e., there is at least one doubtful record.
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Re: Unknown Blue
Thanks Guy, and all the others.Padfield wrote:It's difficult enough placing 'typical' Plebejus butterflies, let alone aberrants like this. I agree with Mikhail that the taxon variously known as Plebejus/Kretania sephirus/sephirus brethertoni/pylaon brethertoni/brethertoni is a strong candidate and is known from Mt Chelmos (in fact, that's its type locality). Pamperis notes that brethertoni may have blue in the submarginal dark spots, as this individual appears to have. Brethertoni uses milk vetch as a foodplant (as do all the Kretania group).
Do you have any photos of non-aberrant blues flying in the same area?
Guy
PS - eurypilus (Eastern brown argus) is doubtfully recorded from Mt Chelmos according to Pamperis - i.e., there is at least one doubtful record.
My main focus that day on the slopes of Mount Chelmos was photographing the Odd Spot Blue and Chelmos Blue, both of which this aberrant definately isn't! So I didn't take too many other photos. Other than of the attached Zephyr Blue, does that help
Best Wishes
Paul
- Padfield
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Re: Unknown Blue
That seems to me to be brethertoni - though Mikhail is the expert on the Balkans - so confirms they were flying there and then. Whether it's counted as a separate species from sephirus and/or pylaon is not for me to judge but the taxon itself seems well enough defined by its chromosome number. The zephyr blue complex is highly fragmented - and complex!
Guy
Guy
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Re: Unknown Blue
Indeed, I've done some reading online about the Zephyr's, since your post, and you're right, it is complex!Padfield wrote:That seems to me to be brethertoni - though Mikhail is the expert on the Balkans - so confirms they were flying there and then. Whether it's counted as a separate species from sephirus and/or pylaon is not for me to judge but the taxon itself seems well enough defined by its chromosome number. The zephyr blue complex is highly fragmented - and complex!
Guy
Still complete guesswork about the aberrant then!
Re: Unknown Blue
I'd go with aberrant Zephyr Blue female... I saw the species favouring the same plant in Turkey and this is a female upperside... looks similar enough to me.
![Confused :?](./images/smilies/icon_confused.gif)
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Re: Unknown Blue
Thanks Kip. That's very helpful. I'll settle on aberrant female Zephyr Blue!