Large Grizzled Skipper

Pyrgus alveus

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Switzerland, July 2010

Switzerland, June 2010

ssp. centralhispaniae, Val d'Aran.

Male, Switzerland, May 2007 (ssp. alveus)

Male, Switzerland, May 2007

This species is rather variable, as illustrated by the above pictures. In particular, the Spanish subspecies is strikingly different from the rest of Europe, resembling Foulquier's grizzled skipper, something I don't think I have ever seen (one can never be sure with Pyrgus).

In Switzerland, the combination of large size, small spots, rather diffuse but present markings on the upperside hindwing and the absence of specific characters for other species (!) combine to make identification generally possible and often confident.

The butterfly flies in my garden from May onwards and later at higher altitudes.