Erebia palarica Chapman, 1905

Host plants:
The larvae feed on grasses.

Habitat:
Erebia palarica inhabits pastures, grassy slopes and grasslands that are usually rich in dwarf shrubs, especially brooms, in altitudes between 700 and 2000m (most often 1000-1650m). Most populations occur on acid soils.

Life cycle:
The butterflies occur in a single, long generation between late May and early September (according to altitude). I found Erebia palarica quite numerous and fresh in 1600m (Puerto de San Glorio). I do not think that there were still many individuals in August there. Oviposition partly occurs on brooms where the larvae develop on grasses in the undergrowth,
but probably partly also on grasses themselves.

Remarks:
Erebia palarica is endemic to NW-Spain (Cantabrian Mountains and Montes de Leon).

Hints on determination:
Erebia palarica is close to Erebia meolans which is often syntopical (at least in rocky areas). Erebia meolans is e.g. much more common in Tresviso. Erebia palarica is much larger (largest European Erebia) and thus easily separated.