Rosy Grizzled Skipper

Pyrgus onopordi

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Switzerland, April 2009

August 2007, Switzerland

August 2007, Switzerland

Switzerland, April 2008

Switzerland, April 2008 (males)

Switzerland, April 2008 (female)

From above, this skipper is very like many other Pyrgus species. Like most, it is also very variable. however, the underside is absolutely distinctive. The white spots on the hindwing are edged in dark and the central one is clearly anvil-shaped, with a broad top spreading to either side of the base. The shape of the outer mark in space one is also characteristic (the 'signe de Blanchier') and is also dark-edged.

The rosy grizzled skipper is widespread in southern Europe, reaching as far north as Switzerland, but I only came upon my first specimens (of which two are illustrated above) in August 2007. The butterfly is double brooded and I visited the same place at the end of April 2008, when they were beginning to come out in force.