Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

Middle Atlas, Morocco, August 2019

Field notes and information

Formerly considered a subspecies of the red underwing skipper S. sertorius ali studies in 2016 concluded the taxon found in N. Africa can be raised to specific rank.

Identification & Similar species: In N Africa, only the Aden skipper is similar, at least from the upperside. The undersides are distinctive, the present species having a red rather than olive-green underside.

Distribution & Flight: Flies throughout N Africa from March to October in the south, and in two broods further north in April and September.

Habitat & Behaviour: Hot dry meadows and stony places in hills and mountains.

Middle Atlas, Morocco, June 2005

Anti-Atlas, Morocco, March 2022

Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

Depending on the angle of the sun, a weak purple or greenish-bronze sheen can be seen.

Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

Anti-Atlas, Morocco, March 2022

Middle Atlas, Morocco, August 2019