BUTTERFLY: Lulworth Skipper (Thymelicus acteon), Nata, Cyprus

May 6, 2010:
The water-splash at Nata is a well-known spot for migrant birds which come down to drink there. On this occasion there was no bird of note but several butterflies were seen along the track-side including Swallowtails, Clouded Yellows and this single Lulworth Skipper perching in typical Skipper fashion with its wings partly open.



In Britain, the Lulworth Skipper only occurs in south Dorset at more or less the northern limit of its European range. Further south it is much more common and it extends southwards through the Mediterranean into north Africa. The larvae feed on various species of grass.



(Above) a rather faded Clouded Yellow (Colias crocea) photographed at Asprokremnos on the same day.