A medium-sized yellow butterfly, with black markings and red spots. Male and female are very similar. The butterfly is distinctive and should not be confused by any other species in Corfu.
Considerable variation can be seen in the ground colour (the dominant background colour) of the wings of this butterfly, ranging from ash white to custard yellow.
Given that Corfu is altitudally limited much of the island has the potential to host this species. Katerina Kyriaki has recorded this species from as high as Mt. Araklis (550m), whilst Giannis Gasteratos has reported sightings from as low as the reed beds of Lake Halikiopoulos, at sea level. Usually found in relatively damp, grassy herb rich meadows, where the host plant is to found.
European birthwort Aristolochia clematitis - which is probably not found in Corfu. Round-leaved birthwort A. rotunda subsp. insularis.
In Corfu it is rare to find popuations of Round-leaved Birthwort A. rotunda, that do not host colonies of this butterfly species.
A delicate flier and easy to photograph because it's not easily startled. This hairsuit species can oftentimes be found resting on flower heads because its flight season, being so early in the year, exposes the adult to low temperatures, making it difficult for it to raise its body temperature high enough to support flight.
*The information provided in the tables below is based on verified sightings of the Southern Festoon submitted via this website since 1st January 2021.
Year | First | Last/latest | # Days |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | 12/03/2023 | 06/06/2023 | 86 days |
2022 | 17/03/2022 | 07/05/2022 | 51 days |
2021 | 19/02/2021 | 21/04/2021 | 61 days |
Year | Number of observations |
---|---|
2023 | 328 |
2022 | 428 |
2021 | 87 |
Grand Total | 843 |
The chart below shows flight data by month for 2023 submitted online since 1st January 2023 to 8th June 2023.
The chart below shows flight data by month based on all data submitted online since 1st January 2019 to 8th June 2023.
For a list of references, please see our bibliography page.