Spialia ali

Moroccan Red Underwing Skipper

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

copyright © 2003-2023

Show butterflies of: EU US
io-header
Photo: ali1.jpg

Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

Photo: ali8.jpg

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.

Photo: ali5.jpg

Middle Atlas, Morocco, June 2005

Photo: ali11.jpgPhoto: ali9.jpg

Anti-Atlas, Morocco, March 2022

Photo: ali6.jpgPhoto: ali3.jpg

Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

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

Photo: ali2.jpgPhoto: ali4.jpg

Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013

Photo: ali10.jpgPhoto: ali12.jpg

Anti-Atlas, Morocco, March 2022

Photo: ali7.jpg

Middle Atlas, Morocco, August 2019