Pararge xiphia (Fabricius, 1775)

Host plants:
The larvae feed on grasses, especially on Brachypodium sylvaticum and Festuca donax.

Habitat:
Pararge xiphia inhabits clearings in the laurel forest up to 1200m asl, in other woodlands and sometimes also in structure- and bush-rich open country (e.g. in small scale and wall-rich cultural landscapes near Ribeira de Janela). Pararge xiphia uses often shady walls, steep embankments or rocks as larval habitat.

Life cycle:
Pararge xiphia is on the wing all year round. The larvae live on the broad grass leaves also at daytime and construct a seat webbing like Apatura larvae. The feeding pattern is often quite striking as the larvae do not consume the whole leaves. I observed the pupa on oald blades in a north exposed, steep embankment with Festuca donax.

Endangerment factors:
Pararge xiphia is potentially endangered in lower elevations by housing sprawl, more intense agriculture with larger fields and less structures. A second factor is forestry (afforestation with non-native trees like Eucalyptus and others). Moreover, Pararge aegeria has been introduced which can push back Pararge xiphia, too. I observed both species often syntopic on Madeira in March 2013, but Parage aegeria seems to cope better with foreign tree cultures than Pararge xiphia.

Remarks:
Pararge xiphia is endemic to Madeira (Portugal).

Hints on determination:
Pararge xiphia can be determined by its size and darker coloration. Moreover, its flight is more gliding, whereas Parage aegeria shows a more fluttering flight.