Digne les Bains, France, May 2022
Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013
Field notes and information
As its name suggests this is a butterfly of southern Europe. It is widespread and often common. It has a lovely blue sheen on the upperside that varies with the angle of light.
Identification & Similar species: Superficially it is similar to the White Admiral, L. camilla. Their ranges overlap in the northern Mediterranean and Balkans. There are many differences. In L. reducta the underside hindwing basal area has a bold silvery and the ground colour is a rich red. It also has a bold white cell spot on the upperside. In contrast, L. camilla has a pale grey basal area broken up by a warmer orange ground colour. It usually lacks an upperside forewing cell spot, although there may be a whitish shadow here in some individuals.
Distribution & Flight: Northern Spain, southern France and eastwards across southern central Europe, Italy and the Balkans. Single brooded in cooler northern areas (June/ July), variable in some locations such as Switzerland (June/ July) with two generations in hot years (August), perhaps a partial brood in warm years and double or triple brooded in hot places (April/ May, June/ July, August/ Sept)
Habitat & Behaviour: It flies in light woodland and along roadsides cutting through denser forests. It soars and glides gracefully with wings flat open between wing beats. It can often be found resting at about head height on shrubs and trees as if it is defending a territory.
Valais, Switzerland, June 2007
Digne les Bains, France, May 2022
Alpes Maritimes, France, May 2012
Valais, Switzerland, May 2014
Valais, Switzerland, June 2017
Var, France, July 2010
Var, France, July 2010
Var, France, April 2006
Valais, Switzerland, June 2017
Valais, Switzerland, May 2014
Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013
Valais, Switzerland, June 2019
Var, France, July 2010