First record of Proterebia phegea (Lepidoptera: Satyrinae) from Albania

We provide information on the unexpected discovery of Proterebia phegea in Albania, the fourth distinct distribution area for the species in the Balkan Peninsula. The butterfly was found to be numerous on south-facing slopes at Qafa e Buallit pass in Dibër County. The most striking characteristic of the habitat is the sandy brown ophiolite rocky substrate, compared to limestone areas in other parts of its range. Habitat structure and vegetation are otherwise similar to the more overgrown sites in the Dalmatian part of its range. Given the widespread presence of ophiolite rocks in eastern Albania, the species could be significantly more widespread in the country; however, further surveys are required. Two additional rare species in Albania, Erynnis marloyi and Anthocharis gruneri, were also recorded in the area