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© Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at The butterflies of Jordan A. KATBEH-BADER, Z.S. AMR, M. ABU BAKER & A. MAHASNEH Abstract: A total of 97 species and subspecies of butterflies have been recorded from the different ecological zones in Jordan. Available biological or ecological notes are given for each species. An updated list for the butterflies of Jordan is given. Key words: Butterflies, Jordan, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, Hesperiidae. Introduction butterflies of Dana Nature Reserve including a list of the butterflies of Jordan. He The oldest literature dealing with the added 14 new records to the list of LARSEN butterflies of Jordan goes back to the begin- &NAKAMURA(1983). ning of the 20th century. While stationed in Jordan, Mr. J. PHILBY collected butterflies The present study represents an updated from the Jordan Valley and the mountains revision for the butterflies of Jordan based of Jordan, GRAVES (1925) and HEMMING on LARSEN &. NAKAMURA (1983), KATBEH- (1932) studied this collection and gave the BADER et al. (1998 [2003]), and BENYAMINI first comprehensive study on the Jordanian (2001, 2002a, b). A brief discussion on the butterflies of Jordan is also given. butterflies. A series of papers were published by LARSEN (1975, 1976, 1977, 1984 a, b) about the butterflies of Jordan and nearby Systematic Account areas. AL MUSA (1979) listed 40 species of A total of 97 species of butterflies repre- butterflies. Other reports include HARDY senting five families (Papillionidae, Pieri- (1995), FABIANO (1998) and TEN HAGEN dae, Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae and Hesperi- (1996,1998). LARSEN &NAKAMURA (1983) idae) are reported. Families Pieridae, Ly- published the most outstanding study of the caenidae and Nymphalidae have a close butterflies of Jordan. They gave detailed in- number of species (24, 25 and 27 respective- formation on pervious collections and ex- ly), while family Papillionidae is represented amined materials either housed in Jordan or by five species. We followed the systematic abroad. The attempt to study the butterflies treatment adopted by LARSEN & NAKAMU- of Jordan by Jordanian naturalist begin with RA(1983). the publication of the butterflies along with other insects in Azraq Desert Oasis by AMR Family Papilionidae et al. (1997), where they reported on 11 species of butterflies. Recently KATBEH- This family is represented by three sub- BADER et al. (1998 [2003]) reported on the families (Papilioninae, Zyrenthiinae and butterflies of Jordan based on a collection at Parnassinae) and five species. Swallowtails the University of Jordan Insects Museum are of a large and intermediate size with a (Amman) and the Jordan Natural History great flexibility of wing patterns and col- Museum (Irbid) that totalled 3350 speci- oration (white, yellow, green and brown). mens. They added two additional records The anal edge of the hind wing is usually Colons dannae and Anthrocharis gruneri. concave. Legs are well developed and act There after, BENYAMINI (2001, 2002a, b) while walking (KORSHUNOV & GORBUNOV Denisia 14, zugleich Kataloge published a comprehensive study on the 1995). der Oö. Landesmuseen Neue Serie 2 (2004), 265-281 265 © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at d f h 266 © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at Papilioninae Zyrenthiinae Papilio machaon syriacus Allancastria deyrollei eisneri VERITY 1905 (Fig. 1a) BERNARDI 1971 (Fig. 1b) The Swallowtail is a Holarctic species The Lebanese Festoon occurs in Turkey with a wide range of distribution. The sub- and the Levant. It is confined to the species P. m. syriacus is confined to the Lev- Mediterranean regions of Jordan, and less ant. In Jordan, it occurs in the northern and frequent in the Jordan Valley (KATBEH-BAD- southern Mediterranean zones and in the ER et al. 1998 [2003]). Previously collected as Jordan Valley. LARSEN &. NAKAMURA far as Petra in southern Jordan by Lockhart (1983) reported specimens as far south as (LARSEN & NAKAMURA 1983). Peak activity Ras el Naqb. Collecting months suggests occurs during April and declined thereafter. two broods, one in early March and extends This species is associated with the Moorish to May, followed by another in October Birthwort, Ariswlochia maurorum, a moun- (KATBEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). Larvae tainous plant of the family Aristolochiaceae feed on several species of the families Um- (KATBEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). belliferae and Rutaceae. This beautiful butterfly is not common and its collections by Parnassiinae the locals as an ornamental item may affect Archon apollinus bellargus its population. STAUDINGER 1891 (Fig. 1c) Papilio alexanor maccabaeus The False Apollo is a Pontomediter- STAUDINGER 1891 ranean butterfly, limited to Bulgaria, Turkey, The Tiger Swallowtail is a rare species the Levant and Iraq. It is found in the which is found in the northern Mediter- Mediterranean zones and the Jordan Valley. ranean zone of Jordan (KATBEH-BADER et al. Collecting months suggests one brood annu- 1998 [2003]). Previously collected from Wa- ally that occurs in March and April (KAT- di Kufringi and Wadi Zarqa. NAKAMURA & BEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). Similar to A. AE (1977) gave a comprehensive account d. eisneri, larvae prefer the Moorish Birth- on its biology, in which they indicated that wort as a food source. peak activity occurs during April. Papilio saharae OBERTHÜR 1879 Family Pieridae This species was considered as a sub- This family is represented by two subspecies of the European P. machaon. LARSEN families (Pierinae and Coliadinae) including (1990) discussed its specific status and con- 24 species. Family Pieridae includes butter- cluded that it should be treated as a separate flies of intermediate size. The wing ground species. It is distributed from Morocco to colour is usually white, yellow or orange, Egypt, Sinai, the Naqab of Palestine to with black or greenish markings. The head is southern Jordan and southwards to Hejaz rounded and all the legs are equally devel- (LARSEN 1990). oped and used for walking (KORSHUNOV & GORBUNOV 1995). Larvae are mostly green in colour, mostly with markings and stripes. Larvae feed predominantly on Brassicaceae and Fabaceae. Several species of this family are considered agricultural pests. Fig. 1: a: Papilio machaon syriacus: A Holarctic swallowtail with a wide range of distribution in the northern and southern Mediterranean zones, b: Allancastria deyrollei eisneri: The Lebanese Festoon is confined to the Mediterranean regions of Jordan, c: Archon apollinus bellargus: The False Apollo is a Pontomediterranean butterfly, found in the Mediterranean zones and the Jordan Valley, d: Aporia crataegi augustior. The Black-veined White is widely distributed in the Palaearctic region. It is common in the mountainous areas and along the Jordan Valley, e: Artogeia rapae leucosoma: The Small White is a migratory butterfly found throughout the Holarctic region. The subspecies leucosoma is mostly associated with the Mediterranean ecozone and the Jordan Valley, f: Pontia daplidice: The Bath White is one of the most common species inhabiting almost all parts of Jordan except the southern desert, g: Madais fausta: The Salmon Caper Butterfly is a rather migratory species with a distribution confined to the Jordan Valley and the upper Mediterranean zone, h: Colotis danae eupompe: The Scarlet Tip is an Afrotropical butterfly being one of the most widespread butterflies, however, a single specimen was collected from Mahis, Jordan. 267 © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at Pierinae Pontia daplidice daplidice LINNAEUS 1758 (Fig. If) Aporia crataegi augustior GRAVES 1925 (Fig. 1d) The Bath White is one of the most common species inhabiting almost all parts of The Black-veined White is widely dis- Jordan except the southern desert. It mainly tributed in the Palaearctic region. In Jordan, feeds on a species of the genus Reseda it is common in the mountainous areas and along the Jordan Valley. Peak activity occurs (LARSEN & NAKAMURA 1983). AMR et al. (1997) found it associated with Tarrwrix and in April. LARSEN (1977) reported on the seasonal fluctuation of this butterfly, and in- AUiaja marorum in Al Azraq Reserve. dicated that it becomes very scarce and lat- Pontia glauconome glauconome KLUG er reappear in relatively high numbers. He 1829 reported that this phenomenon is known The Desert White is an eremic species among populations occurring at the limit of found in North Africa, Arabian and Middle its distribution. Larvae feed on Crataegus, Eastern deserts. It occurs in the southern Amygdalus and other Rosaceae where they Jordan Valley, northern and southern may become pests (KATBEH-BADER et al. deserts of Jordan. It is very scarce. It was col- 1998 [2003]). lected from March to May (KATBEH-BADER Pieris brassicae catoleuca RÖBER 1896 et al. 1998 [2003]). AMR et al. (1997) mentioned that it was a rare species in Al Azraq The Large White is found from North Reserve. Africa via most of Europe and the Middle East to the Himalayas. It is a migrant species Madais fausta fausta common in the Mediterranean zones of Jor- OLIVIER 1804 (Fig. 1g) dan from which it penetrates the Jordan The Salmon Caper Butterfly is a rather Valley. Its presence throughout of the year migratory species with a distribution con- suggests that it have several broods (KAT- fined to the Jordan Valley and the upper BEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). It feeds on Mediterranean zone. Other earlier localities several species of family Cruciferae and include Zarqa Main and Petra (LARSEN & Capparis spinosa (Fam. Capparidaceae). NAKAMURA 1983). It seems that it has two Artogeia rapae leucosoma broods, one in spring and another towards SCHAWERDA 1905 (Fig. 1e) the end of July. LARSEN (1975) suggested The Small White is a migratory butter- that a regular migratory contact with the fly found throughout the Holarctic region. Arabian populations occurs to ensure the The subspecies A. r. leucosoma is mostly as- survival of the Jordanian populations. sociated with the Mediterranean ecozone Colotis phisadia phisadia GODART 1819 and the Jordan Valley (KATBEH-BADER et al. The Blue Spotted Arab is common in 1998 [2003]). It was collected all-year tropical Africa, Arabia and Jordan. It is lim- round, and populations in the Jordan valley ited to the Dead Sea area in Jordan (KAT- have several broods. Butterflies were ob- BEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). But it is pos- served in remote areas as Qasr Burqu' in the sible to have contacts with the Arabian eastern desert as well as in the busy streets populations through Wadi Arabah and Aqa- downtown in Amman. AMR et al. (1997) ba. The food plant is Scdvadora persica. mentioned that it was of the commonest species found in Al Azraq Reserve. Colotis chrysonome KLUG 1829 The Golden Arab is an afrotropical Artogeia napi dubiosa RÖBER 1907 species with limited distribution in Jordan. BENYAMINI (2001) listed this species as a LARSEN & NAKAMURA (1-983) stated that secondary species in northern Jordan. This tropical oasis in southern part of the Dead is a widely distributed species from Japan to Sea are typical localities for this butterfly. It Europe. Known from Lebanon (LARSEN is associated with Maerua crassifoUa as a food 1974) and northern Palestine (BENYAMINI source. Population fluctuation of the Gold- 1997). en Arab is dependent on the survival of the food source (WALKER & BlTTAWAY 1987). 268 © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at Colotis danae eupompe to the Saharo-Sindian habitats in North KLUG 1829 (Fig. 1h) Africa. The Scarlet Tip is an afrotropical butter- Elphinstonia charlonia charlonia fly being one of the most widespread butter- DONZEL 1842 flies in dry tropical Africa, but also occurs in The Greenish Black-tip is an eremic India. Only one specimen is known from butterfly, distributed from North Africa via Egypt. It is Common in southwestern Ara- the Middle East to Afghanistan. In Jordan, bia and Dhofar. This species is recorded it is mostly associated with the Irano-Turan- from Jordan for the first time and apparent- ian zone, with fewer populations occurring ly very rare. The single specimen was col- in the Jordan Valley. AMR et al. (1997) re- lected from Mahis on the 7th of June 1991 ported on its rare occurrence in Al Azraq (KATBEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). Larvae Reserve. Previous collecting dates suggest feed on Cadaba spp. and perhaps other Cap- up to three broods per year. It feeds on sev- paridaceae (LARSEN 1990). eral species of Diplotaxis, and Rough and Anaphaeis aurota aurota FABRICIUS 1793 Sweet Stock (Matthiola sp.). The Caper white is a strong tropical mi- Zegris eupheme uarda HEMMING 1929 grant butterfly. LARSEN & NAKAMURA The Sooty Orange Tip occurs in dry (1983) referred to several occasions citing parts of Jordan such as the Dead Sea area the migratory behaviour of this butterfly in and the desert between Jordan and Iraq. In Lebanon and Palestine. It prefers the warm Jordan, the subspecies Z. e. uarda is limited Jordan Valley, however, it was collected to the Irano-Turanian zone separating the from two localities within the eastern Mediterranean vegetation from the lower mountains. It feeds on Capparis spinosa. parts of Jordan Valley. One brood appears Euchloe ausonia melisande from late February to early April (KATBEH- FRUHSTORFER 1908 (Fig. 2a) BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). The E. ausonia complex is found all Zegris eupheme tigris RILEY 1921 around the Mediterranean and in Asia Mi- nor. The Dappled White is common in both This butterfly is known to occur in Iraq, Mediterranean zones of Jordan. It feeds on Syrian Desert and Hejaz. This subspecies Brassica and Sinapis (Cruciferae). differs from Z. e. uarda in the markings of the underwing, where as the yellow suffu- Euchloe belemia belemia ESPER 1799 sion covers about 90 % of the wing surface The Green-striped White extends from while 60 % in case of Z. e. uarda (LARSEN & the Iberian Peninsula, via North Africa to NAKAMURA 1983). It was collected from the Middle East and Iran to Bluchistan. In southern Jordan and near Zarka (LARSEN & addition, it was recorded from Ethiopia and NAKAMURA 1983). Arabia. It is a common species in the north- Zegris euphema larseni PITTAWAY 1985 ern Mediterranean zone of Jordan and known to occur in the Jordan Valley. Ap- BENYAMINI (2001) listed this subspecies parently, it has one brood in the spring, with from southern Jordan. highest peak of emergence in April (KAT- Anthocharis gruneri gruneri BEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). HERRICH-SCHÄFFER 1851 (Fig. 2b) Euchloe aegyptiaca VERITY 1911 The Gruner's Orange Tip is found in The Woad White is confined to south- south Europe and Turkey and in Palestine ern Jordan. This species is widely distributed (LARSEN &. NAKAMURA 1983). KATBEH- over North Africa, northern Arabia and BADER et al. (1998 [2003]) recorded this southern Jordan and Palestine (LARSEN species from Wadi As Salt and the northern 1990). Mediterranean zone. Euchloe fallow ALLARD 1867 Anthocharis cardamines phoenissa The Scarce Green Striped White was VON KALCHBERG 1894 recorded from southern Jordan (LARSEN & The Orange Tip is found from Western NAKAMURA 1983), and is considered linked Europe, temperate Asia to Japan. LARSEN & 269 © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at O a b .Y: f £ •»'- •s *• h 270 © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at NAKAMURA (1983) included this species "brushes" and are not used for walking (Ko- based on TREVOR TROUGHT's field notes. RSHUNOV & GORBUNOV 1995). Specimens collected by KATBEH-BADER et al. (1998 [2003]) confirm the presence of Danainae this species in Jordan. The localities are Danaus chrysippus chrysippus within the most northwestern part of the LINNAEUS 1758 (Fig. 2d) northern Mediterranean zone. This species The Plain Tiger is a migrant butterfly is quite common in Lebanon and Palestine. widely distributed in the Old World tropics. It is common in the Jordan Valley, however, Coliadinae few specimens were caught from Azraq in Colias croceus croceus GEOFFROY 1785 the Eastern Desert and the Mediterranean The Clouded Yellow is common region as well. It was seen migrating north- ward by the Jordan River in 1996 at Al throughout the Mediterranean and the Ira- baqurah in the extreme north west of Jordan no-Turanian zones in Jordan. Collecting dates suggest that it have several broods that (KATBEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). The main food plant is Calotropis procera, but fly all-year round. It feeds on several species other Asclepiadaceae are acceptable. of Vicia (KATBEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). AMR et al. (1997) found it common near Hypolimnas misippus LINNAEUS 1764 cultivated alfalfa in Al Azraq Reserve. The Diadem is known along the coasts Catopsilia florella FABRICIUS 1775 of Arabia (WALKER & PITTAWAY 1987). BENYAMINI (2001) included this species as a The African Migrant is a strong migrant migrant species. Females are confused with species. So far, a single specimen was col- D. chrysippus. lected from Aqaba. However, LARSEN & NAKAMURA (1983) stated that it could be Charaxinae found anywhere in Jordan. Charaxes jasius jasius LINNAEUS 1767 Gonepteryx cleopatra taurica The Two-Tailed Pasha is the only STAUDINGER 1881 (Fig. 2c) palaearctic off-shoot of the tropical genus The Cleopatra is a typical holomediter- being local and uncommon species in the ranean species. Although LARSEN & NAKA- Middle East. It is very rare species. The food MURA (1983) gave several localities within plant is Arbutus unedo. the northern Mediterranean zone, we have one single locality in northern Jordan (KAT- Nymphalinae BEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). This is a forest-adapted species. Decline in its numbers Junonia orithya here LANG 1884 (Fig. 2e) and distribution may reflect the degradation The Blue Pansy is a tropical migrant but of forests in Jordan. the subspecies ). o. here is found in Arabia (LARSEN 1990). BENYAMINI (1997) indicat- Family Nymphalidae ed its occurrence on the western side of the Jordan Valley north of the Dead Sea. Family Nymphalidae is represented by four subfamilies (Danainae, Charaxinae, Junonia hierta cebrene TRIMEN 1870 Nymphalinae and Satyrinae) and 25 This is a palaeotropical species that ex- species. The size is intermediate. Red and tends into Arabia. BENYAMINI (1984) stated brown colours predominates the wing pat- that is a quite common species in Sant Kata- tern. The forelegs are reduced forming rina in Siani. Fig. 2: a: Euchloe ausonia melisande: The Dappled White is common in the Mediterranean zone of Jordan, b: Anthocharis gruneri gruneri: The Gruner's Orange Tip was collected from Wadi As Salt and from the northern Mediterranean zone. c: Gonepteryx cleopatra taurica: The Cleopatra is a typical holomediterranean species. This is a forest-adapted species. d: Danaus chrysippus: The Plain Tiger is a migrant butterfly widely distributed all over Jordan, e: Junonia orithya here: The Blue Pansy is a tropical migrant butterfly with rare occurrence in Jordan, f: Limenitis reducta schiffermuelleri: The Southern White Admiral is a rare species in Jordan confined to the northern Mediterranean zone, g: Vanessa cardui: The Painted Lady is a migrant butterfly distributed worldwide. It is one of the most common species that occurs in all parts of Jordan all months of the year, h: Polygonia egea: The Southern Comma occurs in the northern Mediterranean zone. 271 © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at a b t d f g h 272 © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at Limenitis reducta schiffermuelleri Melitaea phoebe telona FRUHSTORFER 1908 HIGGINS 1933 (Fig. 2f) The Knapweed Fritillary occurs from The Southern White Admiral is a rare North Africa and Spain to Korea. This species in Jordan. All localities are in the species is common in the Mediterranean northern Mediterranean zone to which the zones. The first brood flies in April, a second species appears to be limited (KATBEH-BAD- brood may occur late in the year but appar- ER et al. 1998 [2003]). It feeds on Lmicera sp. ently in low numbers. L.ARSEN (1974) found it on Centaurea caicitrapa, Carduus pycno- Vanessa atalanta LINNAEUS 1758 cephcdus in Lebanon. The Red Admiral is migrant species that occurs in the holarctic region. It is a scarce Melitaea arduinna evanescens species in Jordan, mostly recorded from the STAUDINGER 1886 northern Mediterranean zone but may be The Freyer's Fritillary is distributed from found in the Jordan Valley (KATBEH-BADER Bulgaria and Asia Minor to Iran and Cen- et al. 1998 [2003]). The food plant is Pari- tral Asia. It was assumed that the subspecies etaria and Urtica piluUfera. M. a. evanescens is limited to As Salt area (LARSEN & NAKAMURA 1983), however, Vanessa cardui cardui KATBEH-BADER et al. (1998 [2003]). collect- LINNAEUS 1758 (Fig. 2g) ed specimens from other areas like Jarash The Painted Lady is a migrant butterfly and Amman. Even though it was considered distributed world-wide. It occurs in all parts as a rare species, its numbers appear to be of Jordan all months of the year. LARSEN more than previously thought. A large num- (1976) discussed it migration in the Middle ber was observed flying in March at a sunny East and emphasised the need for a more day in near Amman (KATBEH-BADER et al. comprehensive data on its behaviour. We 1998 [2003]). The Jordanian populations observed large numbers migrating in north are perhaps relicts of a brief period in time or north-western direction in February 1997 when there was a wet Irano-Turanian bridge in Wadi Arabah and in the Jordan Valley. between Jordan and Iraq (LARSEN & NAKA- However, later in the season they were seen MURA 1983). migrating in south or south-eastern direction (KATBEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). Melitaea persea sargon HEMMING 1932 AMR et al. (1997) found this species to be Only a single specimen was collected common in Al Azraq Reserve. The normal from Wadi Rajil by LOCKHART (LARSEN & food plants are species of Carduus, Cynara, NAKAMURA 1983). This species represents a Arctium and other Composites. relict in Jordan, however, it was collected from Saudi Arabia (LARSEN & NAKAMURA Polygonia egea egea 1983). CRAMER 1775 (Fig. 2h) The Southern Comma occurs in the Melitaea trivia syriaca northern Mediterranean zone but may be REBEL 1905 (Fig. 3a) found also in the Jordan Valley (at Gawr The Mullein Fritillary is common in the Kabid). It has two or three broods from Mediterranean zones, Jordan Valley and March to November (KATBEH-BADER et al. fringes on eastern desert. Peak activity ex- 1998 [2003]). The food plants are species of tends from April to June (KATBEH-BADER et Parietaria. al. 1998 [2003]). The Larvae feed on Verbos- cum sp. Plate 3: a: Melitaea trivia syriaca: The Mullein Fritillary is a common butterfly in the Mediterranean zones, Jordan Valley and fringes on eastern desert, b: Melanargia titea titania L: The Palestine Marbled White occurs in the Mediterranean zone, c: Ypthima asterope: The African Ringlet is distributed in the Mediterranean zones and the Jordan valley, d: Pseudochazara telephassa: The Telephassa Grayling is the most common satyrid in Jordan occurring in both Mediterranean zones and eastern desert, e: Maniola telmessia: The Eastern Meadow Brown is restricted to the northern Mediterranean zone, f: Hyponephele lupinus centralis: The Oriental Meadow brown appears to be limited to the northern Mediterranean zone, g: Epamara glaucus: The Arabian Sapphire is distributed in arid regions of the southern end of Dead Sea. It is associated with the striking flowers of Loranthus sp. h: Lycaena phlaeas timeus: The Small Skipper is found in temperate Palaearctic regions. Collected from the Jordan Valley as well as from densely forested areas. 273 © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at Melitaea deserticola macromaculata southern Mediterranean zone as well (KAT- BELTER 1934 BEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). The Desert Fritillary occurs in the Chazara persephone transiens Mediterranean zones, the fringes of the Jor- ZERNY 1932 dan Valley and southern desert. Its flight is This species has been recorded once much higher above the ground than that of during 1927 from localities on the fringe of other Jordanian Metitaea. Larvae feed on the Eastern Desert (LARSEN & NAKAMURA species of Scrophulariaceae. Three broods 1983). are probable, the second and the third are partial and irregular (LARSEN & NAKAMURA Pseudochazara telephassa 1983). GEYER 1827 (Fig. 3d) The Telephassa Grayling is the most Melitaea collina collina LEDERER 1861 common satyrid in Jordan occurring in both The Laderer's Fritillary is a Syrian Mediterranean zones and eastern desert. species with distribution extending to south Even though it was collected from June to Turkey, Lebanon, and Parts of Iraq (LARSEN August, LARSEN &. NAKAMURA (1983) men- 1974). BENYAMINI (2001) listed this species tioned records from October and they as- as doubtful or unconfirmed observation in sumed a single protracted brood. his list on the butterflies of Jordan and Dana Reserve. Maniola telmessia telmessia ZELLER 1847 (Fig. 3e) Satyrinae The Eastern Meadow Brown is restricted Melanargia titea titania to the northern Mediterranean zone (KAT- BEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). It has one CALBERLA1891 (Fig. 3b) brood in April and May. Specimens collect- The Palestine Marbled White occurs in ed later in the year are aestivating individ- the Levant. LARSEN & NAKAMURA (1983) ual appearing to oviposit (LARSEN & NAKA- mentioned that it is limited in Jordan to the MURA 1983). northern Mediterranean zone, but the record from At Tafila proves its occurrence Hyponephele lupinus centralis in the southern Mediterranean zone (KAT- RILEY 1921 (Fig. 3f) BEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). Its peak ac- The Oriental Meadow Brown occurs in tivity appears to be in May as the above da- North Africa, southern Europe, Asia Minor, ta suggest. A second brood is possible to- the Levant, Iran, Afghanistan. In Jordan, it wards the end of the year. Larvae feed on appears to be limited to the northern grasses and adults are attracted to the flow- Mediterranean zone. It has a single brood in ers of Carduus and Centaurea. May and June or July (KATBEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). Specimens collected in Au- Hipparchia fatua sichaea LEDERER 1857 gust or September are assumed to be aesti- The Freyer's Grayling is a Pontomediter- vating individuals appearing to oviposit ranean species, distributed from the Balkans (LARSEN & NAKAMURA 1983). via the Middle East and Iran to Turk- menistan. A single brood occurs in June and Ypthima asterope KLUG 1832 (Fig. 3c) July, while specimens collected later in the The African Ringlet is distributed in dry year are aestivating females who appear to parts of tropical Africa, Arabia, and much of oviposit at the onset of autumn. The food tropical Asia. It is common in the Mediter- plants are grasses (LARSEN & NAKAMURA ranean zones and the Jordan valley (KAT- 1983). BEH-BADER et al. 1998 [2003]). It appears to Hipparchia pisidice KLUG 1832 have many broods from March to Novem- ber. Only one specimen is known from Al The Sinai Grayling occurs in Sinai, the Azraq Reserve in the eastern desert (AMR et Levant and southern parts of Turkey. It was al. 1997). previously recorded from several localities in the northern Mediterranean zone only. It is possible that the species occurs in the 274