Hyponephele lupinus (Costa, [1836])

Host plants:
The larvae feed on grasses with low production, often Festuca.

Habitat:
Hyponephele lupinus inhabits most often very nutrient-poor and dry, stony or rocky habitats like rocky slopes, stony pastures and similar places from sea level up to 2000m asl (but most often between 300 and 1400m asl). In Hungary Hyponephele lupinus occurs in dry sand heaths.

Life cycle:
The adults are observed between mid-May and early October. A pronounced female aestivation occurs especially in very dry and hot regions, e.g. Rhodes.

The eggs are attached to dry grass leaves and other plant parts. The L1 larva hibernates (feeds in mild weather) and is mature in May, in higher altitudes in June. It is easily distinguished from the similar larva of H. lycaon in the final instar (and when carefully checking already in the penultimate) because in Hyponephele lupinus the edges of the head capsule are prolongued.

Remarks:
Hyponephele lupinus occurs from North Africa across southern Europe (quite local colonies, to the north up to Hungary) and parts of Asia to western China.

Hints on determination:
Hyponephele lupinus can be distinguished most easily from the related H. lycaon by its a bit larger size. Hyponephele lupinus is almost of similar size as Maniola jurtina, whereas H. lycaon is smaller. Besides Hyponephele lupinus shows a more serrated hindwing outer margin. Males of Hyponephele lupinus are moreover characterized by the position and shape of the larger androconial scales on forewing upperside. Larvae in final instar are easily separated due to their head capsule.