Switzerland, June 2008
Switzerland, May 2009
Switzerland, May 2009
Switzerland, May 2009
Switzerland, May 2009
Switzerland, May 2009
Switzerland, May 2009
Switzerland, May 2009
Switzerland, May 2009
Val d'Aran, July 2007
Val d'Aran, July 2007
This is one of the easier Pyrgus skippers to identify. There's nothing much special about the upperside, though the hindwing markings are relatively obscure and the forewing white spots are frequently smallish (not always, by any means), but the underside is quite characteristic. The ground colour is olive green, unbroken by veins, giving it a very uniform tone. The white discal markings in ss.2 and 3 of the hindwing are small or absent and there is a clear oval mark above the cell, towards the base of the wing. Pictures don't always bring out how different this insect is from its relatives - once it has been met a few times in the flesh and carefully studied it becomes instantly recognisable even on a brief view.