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.

The first butterfly observations of 2026 were recorded today during a short transect and additional random observations around the hills and fields of Liri and Skino in South Pelion.

Despite the early season, several spring species were already active, indicating the beginning of the butterfly activity period in the area.

Here is what was observed today:

🦋 Large White (Pieris brassicae)
🦋 Small White (Pieris rapae)
🦋 Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines)
🦋 Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
🦋 Cleopatra (Gonepteryx cleopatra)
🦋 Eastern Dappled White (Euchloe ausonia)
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A promising start for the 2026 butterfly season in South Pelion. More surveys will follow as temperatures continue to rise and spring vegetation develops.

Today, during a midday survey in the rich meadows and woodland edges of Liri, we documented a vibrant diversity of butterfly species as part of our ongoing biodiversity monitoring work. The survey, conducted under some cloudy skies, revealed a beautiful glimpse into the Lepidoptera activity in South East Pelion.

Species Observed:

🦋 Eastern Dappled White (Euchloe ausonia)
🦋 Southern White Admiral (Limenitis reducta)
🦋 Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
🦋 Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)
🦋 Green-underside Blue (Glaucopsyche alexis) 
🦋 Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus)
🦋 Lesser Spotted Fritillary (Melitaea trivia) 
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This survey is part of our seasonal documentation efforts to better understand local pollinator dynamics and species presence in and around Liri. The data collected will contribute to broader conservation and education initiatives led by Merman Conservation.

A quick butterfly survey today brought some beautiful sightings across the hills and meadows of Liri, Skino, and Theotokos in South Pelion.

Here’s what we spotted:

🦋 Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
🦋 Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)
🦋 Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus)
🦋 Eastern Bath White (Pontia edusa) 
🦋 Orange-Tip (Anthocharis cardamines)
🦋 Large White (Pieris brassicae)

A great mix of spring species. Looking forward to more as the season continues!