Valais, Switzerland, June 2013
Valais, Switzerland, June 2012
Field notes and information
One of two very similar species: Confined to the major mountains of Europe.
Identification & Similar species: The alpine grizzled and the dusky grizzled skippers, P. andromedae & P. cacaliae, can be separated from other similar species by: few upperside hindwing markings and dirty dark green underside hindwings which give the butterflies a rather dull overall feel. Space 1b of the underside hindwing has a white exclamation mark (!) which is missing in most other similar species.
Two main differences between these two species are as follows:
P. andromedae: brighter upper forewing markings with 3 spots in the discal area in spaces 1b, 2 and 3. Basal spots present on the underside hindwing.
P. cacaliae: usually very small upper forewing markings and maximum of 2 spots (sometimes none) in the discal area in spaces 1b and 2. The middle basal spot is absent on the underside hindwing
Distribution & Flight: Pyrenees, Alps, north Scandinavia and a few mountains in the Balkans. It flies from mid to very high altitudes, down to sea level in the Arctic. Single brooded from late June to August.
Habitat & Behaviour: Grassy alpine meadows with flowers.
Valais, Switzerland, June 2012
Grisons, Switzerland, July 2019
Valais, Switzerland, June 2012
Valais, Switzerland, June 2012
Valais, Switzerland, July 2009
Valais, Switzerland, June/July 2009
Valais, Switzerland, June 2007
Valais, Switzerland, June 2003
Row of three basal spots visible on forewing - the 3rd spot (small in this specimen) is missing in cacaliae.
Valais, Switzerland, June 2006