Brintesia circe (Fabricius, 1775)  
Great Banded Grayling, Weiber Waldportier, Silene (papillon), Бархатница цирцея, Ցիրցեա

Distribution and biological peculiarities in Armenia: 
The species can be found in Central and Southern Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Greece, southern Germany and Poland), in Anatolia and the Caucasus up to Iran. Armenia is inhabited by nominate subspecies, which occupies deciduous  forests of the country at the elevation range between 800 and 2200 m a.s.l. The host-plants of the species are various grasses, such as Lolium, Anthoxanthum, Bromus, Sesleria, and Festuca. The butterflies are on wing from late June till mid October in one generation. 

Population dynamics:
The species is slightly uncommon within a typical habitat, although the glades attract many more individuals and make a different impression. During 2003-2013 the Great Banded Grayling demonstrated a stable population trend (p>0.05), which is explained by a high level of species’ adaptability and an ability to shift between host plants. The density of species in undisturbed forests appears to be higher than in the ones influenced by logging. 

Conservation measures: 
The Great Banded Grayling is not included in the National Red List, as well as in Bern and CITES Conventions, and it was evaluated for the Red List of European Butterflies as Least Concern. The same status is suggested for Armenia after the preliminary assessment. Partly, the distribution range of the species is covered by Protected Areas, Emerald Sites, and Prime Butterfly Areas; however most of the areas are located at the territories of forestry enterprises. Although at current there is no need to develop conservation measures, the monitoring of the species as a good indicator of forest ecosystems should be continued.

Photo: B. Khanamirian