Butterflies (pAGE 2)
 

Lesvos 7^th – 14^th of April 2004

I was part of a British birdwatching group (14 persons) based at Vatera on the South Coast of Lesvos for the period 7^th –14^th April 2004. Vatera is a very little known (or visited) area, so I was curious to see what could be discovered. Although the purpose of the group was birdwatching my report refers mainly to butterflies seen in the area.

8^th April

Our Group went west along the beach and crossed the river Almyropotamos into the old olive groves on the hillside for our first opportunity to see the butterflies of the island. The weather was fine and sunny and despite the earliness of the season plenty were on the wing.

Most obvious were the Eastern Festoons, mainly males, flying rapidly along the paths and rarely settling.  Equally common were the Dappled Whites, which far outnumbered the occasional Large White.  We did not spend a lot of time looking at the Whites and no Small Whites were seen over the whole holiday, but it is highly likely that when out, the Small White population may harbour similar Eastern European species.

Other species seen were Clouded Yellow, I believe all males, and several Orange Tips.  Both Scarce Swallowtail and Swallowtail were in evidence although not in large numbers.  Also we found Brown Argus, Mallow Skipper and some rather worn Painted Ladies.

Like most of the sites visited, this area should be worth a visit later in the year as other species emerge.

Later in the day we visited the Salt Pans at Polihnitos but the only additional butterfly seen was Small Copper.

9^th April 2004

The morning was spent in the Pine Woods at Achladeri looking principally for Krupers Nuthatch.  The best spot here for butterflies was along the stream where the vegetation was less dense.

The first Blues of the trip were seen here namely Green Underside Blue and Holly Blue although not in large numbers.

There was a strong colony of Small Heath along the stream and again Orange Tip were numerous. Painted Lady, Dappled White and Small Copper were also seen. 

Later we moved on up to Agiasos on the slopes of Mount Olympus.  This promised good things being situated amongst the most wonderful flower filled terraces. We passed a delightful small church up on a steep cobbled lane that led above the town and here I came across the main target of the trip - the False Apollo.  This proved numerous on the terraces and occasionally coming down to sun themselves alongside the path.  Eastern Festoon and Large White kept the Apollo company and during the course of the afternoon we were able to obtain excellent photos particularly of a most obliging mating pair.

Further on at the top of the path the only Large Tortoiseshell of the trip was seen.  Also seen around Agiasos were Holly Blue, Green Underside Blue, Orange Tip and Dappled White.

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