Valais, Switzerland, July 2011
Valais, Switzerland, July 2011
Field notes and information
One of two very similar species. This species is confined to the Alps and the Balkan mountains.
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: This species is confined to the Alps and a couple of mountains in the Balkans. It flies at alpine levels. Single brooded in July and August.
Habitat & Behaviour: Grassy alpine meadows with flowers. I associate it with damper locations such as stream edges, bogs etc but this could be a function of it's tendancy to be found taking salts from the ground.
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