Hipparchia fidia (Linnaeus, 1767)

Host plants:
The larvae feed on grasses. I observed them together with larvae of Satyrus actaea in tussocks of Stipa (Massif de la Sainte Baume, Provence).

Habitat:
Hipparchia fidia inhabits most often shrubby, dry and hot rocky slopes and similar biotopes on calcareous soil. The larvae live in well sun exposed grass tussocks which are surrounded by open stony ground.

Life cycle:
The butterflies are on the wing between early July and October. The larva hibernates and is mature in June. It is found at the very base of the singly growing tussocks during daytime.

Remarks:
Hipparchia fidia occurs in NW-Africa and SW-Europe (Iberian Peninsula, Southern France, westernmost Liguria).