A rather alert mustard butterfly

[MWP admin]

This species of Lepidoptera (of which ID is kindly requested if possible) is one those butterflies which is always on the alert and difficult to photograph since it notice you and flies away before you are within good range for close-up photography. This week I had some luck

[D. Cilia]

looks like Maniola jurtina. nice photo!

[RB]

Look out also for brimstones, those are lovely!!

Seem to be extremely localised in distribution despite the fact that they have wings, I think they feed on Rubus and thus tend to hang out where this is plentiful.

RB

[Haas]

To me it looks rather like a Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus.

Usually the size is good indicator, pamphilus is aprox the size of a Common Blue, while jurtina is rather the size of o Small White.

Plus, once you have seen both of them together, they do not look that much alike.

As far as I can see (via the internet) they are both common in Malta.

And i agree, it is a very good photo.

haas

[robcar]

Haas is right. It is the small heath (Coenonympha pamphilus). Quite a common butterfly. Unfortunately the meadow brown (Maniola jurtina), which was very common and widespread has become very rare over recent years, particularly in Malta (In Gozo it has also declined substantially and is rare, but not as rare as in Malta

[RB]

Meadow brown always was one of those butterflies that you could not really go looking for. Sometimes there are plenty of them, sometimes you don't see any.

Just like many butterflies IMHO.

RB

[D. Cilia]

Speaking of butterflies, I'd love it if anyone could post a picture of a Danaus taken in Malta. I've never had success in seeing one, so far. Also, has anyone ever come across its caterpillars?

[RB]

Probably seen a grand total of 3. It's a vagrant from Africa IIRC so even more unlikely to see caterpillars here! Unless they come in on a boat

RB

[IL-PINE]