Valais, Switzerland, July 2011

Hautes Alpes, France, July 2013

Field notes and information

This is one of the larger of the Pyrgus species.

Identification & Similar species: Upperside spots are generally small and the upperside hindwing markings are rather diffuse and indistinct. The underside hindwing discal area has a large white block, approximately rectangular in shape.

Distribution & Flight: North Africa, much of Spain through France to southern Scandinavia and Greece. Absent from much of Italy. Single brooded from June to August.

Habitat & Behaviour: Flowery grassy places often amongst trees but also well above the tree line.

Variation: The subspecies centralhispaniae from central France and Spain is more brightly marked on the upperside.

Vaud, Switzerland, June 2011

Valais, Switzerland, August 2013

Valais, Switzerland, August 2013

Valais, Switzerland, July 2011

Hautes Alpes, France, July 2013

Asturias Mts, Spain, July 2011

Vaud, Switzerland, July 2012

Bern, Switzerland, August 2012

Hautes Alpes, France, August 2012

Valais, Switzerland, October 2010

An extremely late date. Several individuals were flying together.

Hautes Alpes, France, July 2009

Valais, Switzerland, June 2008

Valais, Switzerland, July 2006

Valais, Switzerland, July 2004

Small upperside white markings.

Valais, Switzerland, June 2004

Rather larger than normal fw markings but I can only think it is this species in 1st week of June.

SE Pyrenees, Spain, August 2003

Ssp. centralhispaniae with bolder upperside spots and markings.