Maquis

This is a scrubland of tree heaths, evergreen (mock) privets, sage-leaved rock roses and strawberry trees, between which frolic two-tailed pashas. This butterfly can be identified by its tan and brown colour, its underside which is ocellated black and white, and by the two tails it has at the bottom of its wings. It can only be found where there are strawberry trees, and for a good reason: they are the only plants that host its eggs, nourish its larvae and provide twigs for its chrysalis to hang from. The pasha likes to feed on ripe fruit as well as fermented and even alcoholic matter! It is also known as the foxy emperor. (B. Mathieu)