Pseudochazara cingovskii

Pseudochazara cingovskii, the Macedonian grayling, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found only in the Macedonian village of Pletvar. The males are a little smaller than the females.

Macedonian grayling
near Pletvar, North Macedonia

Critically Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Pseudochazara
Species:
P. cingovskii
Binomial name
Pseudochazara cingovskii
(Gross, 1973)

It is a cool pale grey brown, the upperside bands being particularly noticeable. Its habitat is scattered with white limestone rocks and when at rest on the white limestone, it is very difficult to notice it due to its very pale underside. The Macedonian Grayling is facing endangerment due to marble quarrying occurring in its habitat. This endemic species is the most threatened butterfly species in Europe, and active conservation efforts are vital for sustaining a healthy population size.[2]

Flight period

The species is univoltine and is on wing from late June to July depending on altitude.

Food plants
Pseudochazara cingovskii

Larvae have been reared on grasses.

References
  1. van Swaay, C.; Wynhoff, I.; Verovnik, R.; Wiemers, M.; López Munguira, M.; Maes, D.; Sasic, M.; Verstrael, T.; Warren, M. & Settele, J. (2010). "Pseudochazara cingovskii". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2010: e.T160595A5373226. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-1.RLTS.T160595A5373226.en. Retrieved 25 December 2017.
  2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10841-013-9576-6#author-information


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