www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

I think both species were present down in my Drome site, but they do seem "iffy" so I would appreciate opinions, I've numbered them and given them my judgements ( for what it will turn out to be worth ).....
1. ?? esculi.. 2. ?? esculi.. 3. ?? esculi.. 4. ?? ilicis.. 5. ?? ilicis.. 6. ?? ilicis..

I my opinion these are all esculi. The reddish spots are distinctly reddish and do not diminish in size going north, the marginal white line is short and the dash in s2 is straight rather than sharply angled (this last is variable, but a good guide).

Here's a Swiss ilicis for comparison:



Note the V in s2 and the way the orange (not reddish) spots diminish going north.

Guy

Well blow me down! Just checked all my previous shots and I had never noticed the V in S2 in ilicis, or the more steady size of red/ orange spots in esculi... happy to concur!!, especially as these are now the best esculi shots I have. Thank you again

I'm so glad you proffered that analysis, Guy. To me, given my recent experience in the Pyrenees, I could only see esculi but was frightened of being shot down!