Butterfly Survey in Liri and Skino (Greece) | April 20, 2026

CC-BY Chris Taklis - Pararge aegeria

Today’s fieldwork across Liri and Skino revealed a rich and active butterfly community, reflecting the mosaic of habitats that define this part of South East Pelion. From open scrub and dry grasslands to woodland edges and cultivated patches, the diversity we recorded highlights how even small landscapes can support a remarkable range of Lepidoptera.

We documented twelve species during the survey:

🦋 Iphiclides podalirius
🦋 Celastrina argiolus
🦋 Melitaea cinxia
🦋 Pontia chlorodice
🦋 Pieris brassicae
🦋 Pararge aegeria
🦋 Polyommatus icarus
🦋 Colias croceus
🦋 Lampides boeticus
🦋 Gonepteryx cleopatra
🦋 Maniola jurtina
🦋 Aricia agestis

The presence of larger, highly mobile species such as Iphiclides podalirius and Colias croceus, alongside smaller, habitat-sensitive species such as Aricia agestis and Polyommatus icarus, suggests a healthy ecological gradient. Woodland indicators like Pararge aegeria were observed in shaded areas, while open-habitat specialists such as Melitaea cinxia and Pontia chlorodice were active in sunlit clearings and dry fields.

Particularly encouraging was the mix of resident breeders and migratory or dispersive species. Lampides boeticus, known for its mobility, and Gonepteryx cleopatra, a characteristic Mediterranean species, underline the connectivity of these habitats within the wider landscape.

These observations reinforce the ecological value of Liri and Skino as micro-hotspots for butterfly diversity. Continued monitoring will be essential to understand seasonal dynamics, population trends, and potential pressures from land use changes or climate shifts.

This kind of field documentation contributes not only to local biodiversity knowledge but also to broader conservation efforts. Even short surveys like today’s provide valuable data points in building a clearer picture of species distribution across Greece.