Butterflies of
temperate Asia
Staudinger's Marbled White
Melanargia epimede
STAUDINGER, 1892
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
SATYRINAE
Tribe -
Melanargia epimede, Anisimovka,
Ussuri, Siberia
© J. Michel
Introduction
There are 24 species in
the genus Melanargia, known commonly as the Marbled
Whites. One of the most widespread and common species is the common Marbled
White M. galathea which is found across most of
Europe but is absent from eastern Asia, except for Japan, where it's presence is
unexplained. Another very widespread species is Esper's Marbled White
M. russiae, which has a range stretching from Spain
to Siberia.
The genus is readily recognised by virtue of
the black-on-white marbled uppersides, and the series of submarginal ocelli on
the underside hindwings. Both sexes are similar in pattern, but males are a
purer white. Females are slightly creamy in appearance, especially when freshly
emerged, and are patterned in dark brown rather than the neutral black of males.
Melanargia epimede is found from the Ukraine to eastern
Mongolia, China and Korea.
Habitats
This is a
low-mid elevation species found in hay meadows, woodland glades and sheltered
alpine pastures.
Lifecycle
The larvae feed nocturnally on the grass
Agrostis clavata.
Adult behaviour
To be completed.
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