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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Hipparchia syriaca
Eastern rock grayling. Eleousa, October 2020.
Common and widespread, numerous in some western and central areas. Rhodes population classified as subspecies ‘ghigii.’ Wingspan 50-60 mm. Flies March to October in one generation. Rocky slopes, light forests, shrubland. Takes salts from damp ground, sips tree sap, rarely visits flowers. Rests on trees, rocks. Seldom opens wings when settled. July-August aestivation. Powerful flight few metres above ground.
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