About Melanargia ines Hoffmannsegg, 1804
Melanargia ines, commonly known as the Spanish marbled white, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It is distributed across the Iberian Peninsula and western North Africa. The forewings of this species measure 23–25 mm in length. In Seitz's taxonomic description, M. ines Hoffgg. (also referenced as — thetis Hbn., 39 e) is similar in upperside appearance to Melanargia syllius. It can be distinguished by a short, heavy black transverse band on the forewing that is positioned exactly in the center of the cell and does not connect with the black discocellular spot. On the underside of the hindwing, the ocelli have striking coloration: a sky-blue center that is surrounded in sequence by russet-red, yellow, and lilac rings. The costal ocelli on the upperside of the wings always have a blue center. This species is found on stony highlands that are nearly bare of vegetation except for flowering plants. It is abundant in its habitat. Adults produce a single generation each year, flying from May to June. The larvae feed on various grasses, including Brachypodium pinnatum and Bromus madritensis.
