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Pyronia cecilia
Male. The Southern Gatekeeper, like many Satyrinae, exhibit sexual dimorphism. The male is smaller than the female, and has patch of scent-producing scales known as androconia, which can be seen as a dark patch on the upper side of the forewing. It is similar in appearance to the Gatekeeper (P. tithonus), which is found further north, and the Spanish Gatekeeper (P. bathsheba). The Gatekeeper has spots on the underside of the hind wind which the Southern Gatekeeper lacks. The Spanish Gatekeeper has quite a different underwing pattern with a prominent white line.
Pine tree and evergreen forest. Dehesa de Valdelatas
Camera Model: NIKON D500. Exposure Time: 1/500 sec.; f/11; ISO Speed Rating: 2500. Focal Length: 300.0 mm. No flash fired. DSC_2372, 2378
Spotted on Jun 28, 2018
Submitted on Oct 25, 2018
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