Butterfly, Alicante region, Spain (1 Viewer)

lazza

Well-known member

• Sep 2, 2015

• #1

I'm hoping someone can help me identify this lovely butterfly found on rosemary in my in-laws' garden just south of Alicante in Spain. It seems to me it should be a hair-streak butterfly, but I can't find any match among the species listed for Spain.

Thanks!

 

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ApusApus

Well-known member

• Sep 2, 2015

• #2

It's a Geranium Bronze Cacyreus marshalli.


Shane

 

honeym

Well-known member

• Sep 2, 2015

• #3

Hi
Shane is correct. It's not native European species but comes from southern Africa and was accidentally introduced to southern Europe where it has spread and caused havoc with the Spanish 'Geranium' industry (i.e. garden Pelargoniums). The larvae feed on the flower buds but will also attack the stems and leaves. It's also been recorded in the UK.
Martin

 

lazza

Well-known member

• Sep 2, 2015

• #4

Thanks, both. Didn't spot it on my Spanish butterfly list but it's at the bottom as an introduced species.