Hautes Alpes, France, July 2013
Hautes Alpes, France, August 2012
Field notes and information
Another tricky member of this group which poses identification issues. The cinquefoil skipper P. cirsii is very similar and was once (and sometimes still is) considered a subspecies of the current species. The ranges overlap.
Identification & Similar species: Upperside forewing spots bright, fairly small, white dusting not extensive. Upperside hindwing markings diffuse. Underside hindwing reddish brown, veins are pale and particularly prominent is the large white rectangular patch in space 5 the wing margin.
On the upperside there are two marks mid way along spaces 2 and 3. These are separate in the current species (they may just touch in rare cases) and in the very similar cinquefoil skipper P. cirsii they are joined to make a wavy S shape.
Upperside hindwing markings diffuse, helping separated it from the very similar Obethur's grizzled skipper P. armoricanus which has a fairly strong discal band and cell markings.
Distribution & Flight: Southeast France, Alps and north Italy. July and August.
Habitat & Behaviour: Open flowery grassy places.
Hautes Alpes, France, August 2012
Valais, Switzerland, July 2019
Valais, Switzerland, July 2019
Alpes Maritimes, Italy, July 2004
Hautes Alpes, France, July 2012
Valais, Switzerland, July 2015
Valais, Switzerland, July 2015
Valais, Switzerland, July 2015
Note the red mites waiting for food to arrive.
Valais, Switzerland, July 2015
Valais, Switzerland, July 2006
Valais, Switzerland, July 2019
Valais, Switzerland, July 2022