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Spinose
Skipper
Muschampia cribrellum
Distribution: Extremely limited range in Europe - known only from two
small areas in Romania and one in FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia).
Identification: Many bright white upperside spots. A large species,
the same size as the Safflower Skipper, Pyrgus carthami,
with which it flies. Series of post discal spots on upf number 4 or 5. Unh marginal lobes are bold, large and white.
Very similar to the Tessellated Skipper, P. tessellum, with which it
flies extremely rarely in Romania it is separated by a series of 2 pairs of
spots in space 2 of the upperside forewing. P. tessellum has one pair of
spots, P. cribrellum two pairs of spots, the second pair often being
incomplete or pale.
Flight time: June.
Habitat: Dry grassy slopes with scrubby patches. Larvae foot plant not
confirmed, but reportedly Pontentillia (at odds with its cogeners which
take Phlomis).
Behaviour: I have only seen 6 individuals so my experience is limited.
It flies rapidly, just as other skippers, about 1m above the ground, seeming to
have a slight preference for damper areas at the base of slopes near scrub. It
visits flowers but doesn't rest for long.
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