Heteropterus morpheus

Large Chequered Skipper

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

copyright © 2003-2025

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Piedmont, Italy, June 2011

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Piemonte, Italy, June 2007

Field notes and information

The most spectacular skipper by a long way. It is called the mirroir in French and those oval shapes could conceivably be beads of condensation on a mirror.

Identification & Similar species: The underside hindwing is unmistakable.

Distribution & Flight: North Spain and west France. Southern foothills of the Alps in Italy. Eastern Europe from northeast Germany to Slovenia and eastwards.

Habitat & Behaviour: It has a characteristic bobbing flight. Coupled with the very dark uppersides it is distinctive in flight.

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Piemonte, Italy, June 2007

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Piedmont, Italy, June 2011

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Piemonte, Italy, June 2007

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Piemonte, Italy, June 2007

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SE Czech Republic, June 2001

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NW Italy, June 2003