About Kirinia climene (Esper, 1783)
This species, originally documented by Esper in 1783, is classified as Kirinia climene, with the synonyms P. climene Esp. (misspelled clymene), synclimene Hbn. It is significantly smaller than the closely related species Kirinia roxelana. Compared to forewing size, its hindwing is smaller than it is in K. roxelana, and the hindwing’s distal margin is not dentate. The ocelli on the underside of the hindwing are much smaller, less distinct, and sit against a solid unicolorous ground. The species is found in the lower regions of the Danube and Volga rivers, South Russia, Turkey, and Asia Minor; there are also reports of it occurring in the Altai district. A subspecies or form roxandra H.-Schiff. (synonym caucasica Nordm.) from Armenia has brighter, more variegated patterning on the underside of its wings, with a distinct white silky spot at the apex of the hindwing cell. Adult butterflies of this species fly in May and June. They are characteristic steppe insects, and are also not uncommon in plains, especially in stony areas. When in flight, they resemble members of the genus Epinephele.
