Identification Guide to the Group of Grizzled Skippers in European Group

Identification Guide to the Pyrgus Group of Grizzled Skippers in Europe

Bill Raymond and Roger Gibbons

For more information on all aspects of European butterflies please go to european-butterfies.org.uk

The other free to download guides in this series are available at EBG Identifcation Guides How to use this Guide

I Introduction Please read the Introduction on page I which gives some background to the difficulties of Pyrgus identification.

II List of Species The sixteen species of Pyrgus found in Europe and covered by this guide are listed on page II. If you wish to go direct to a Species Description click here to go to the list. III Is it Pyrgus? Use the guide on page III to ensure that your is a Pyrgus and not one of the similar looking species.

Explanation of An explanation of the terms used in this guide to describe wing markings is given on page IV. Links back to this IV Terms used page Terms are included on each Species Description page. For simplicity we have used the scientific species name in the text to avoid unwieldy repetition of the common English names, and in some instances we have not strictly followed the scientific conventions on the use of italics in the interests of readability.

Quick Upperside For a definitive identification of many Pyrgus it is usually necessary to have a view of both upper and underside. V Identification Key To help narrow down the possibilities start with the Quick Upperside Identification Key on page V. This will hopefully lead you to a detailed Species Description where you can make a comparison of the underside to confirm identification. If in doubt, try again to match your specimen to a description in the Quick Key remembering that accurate identification by upperside only is not feasible for the majority of species.

Species Each of the Species Descriptions shows what could be described as a ‘typical’ specimen. The arrangement and Descriptions order of the Descriptions is designed, where possible, to have species which are difficult to separate on the same page to facilitate comparison. Keep in mind that: [i] there is considerable variation and in some cases the illustrated specimen may not exactly match the description in the text. This is because the illustration is geared to showing the key identification features. [ii] very often, several underside marks and not just the key features need to be compared for a confident identification. [iii] in some cases it may only be possible to identify a specimen by examination of the genitalia, a practice which should only be undertaken by skilled observers.

Species Links Useful links to facilitate reference to a Species Description page are provided throughout, e.g. andromedae

Montane Group To help identification at high altitudes a checklist is provided of the species which can usually be found above 2000m together with their locations. A link Montane Group is available where appropriate.

Distribution Detailed distribution maps for each species can be found at the end of the guide. See Appendix for details of the Maps geographical area covered. A link to the maps Maps is included on each Species Description page. I

Introduction

The English term ‘Skippers’ describes a group of butterflies which are instantly recognisable. They are small with stout bodies, wide heads and are noted for their short rapid bursts of flight, hence the name. The Pyrgus group of ‘Grizzled Skippers’ in Europe consists of sixteen species and is one of the most difficult and confusing groups to identify. They are difficult because they are all very similar and the key identifying features are often quite obscure. The problem is exacerbated because they are prone to variation, perhaps more than any other group and in many cases, especially at altitude, several species can fly together. For each species, a ‘type’ specimen can be described, but because of the degree of variation, there can be an area of overlap between two species. For reasons of space and simplicity, books nearly always show the ‘type’ specimen without mentioning the degree of possible variation. Books can also simply illustrate or describe only the males of each species as males are more frequently encountered, especially as they are very prone to ‘puddling’ behaviour [taking salts from the ground], often in large numbers. Females are less likely to be seen as they tend to remain in the region of the larval hostplants. However, in several cases the female uppersides can be significantly different, usually, but not always, having weaker markings than males. In most instances, a view of both the upperside and the underside will be necessary. The upperside may be the most prone to variation, often making it impossible to identify a particular specimen on the grounds of an upperside view alone. However, the underside hind-wing markings are more characteristic and fortunately Pyrgus species often rest with closed wings. These hind-wing markings are also prone to variation, but to a much lesser degree than the uppersides. It is often the case that one mark alone is not sufficient, and a combination of marks is necessary for a ‘confident’ identification. II

List of Species

The 16 species of Pyrgus found in Europe and covered by this guide [see Appendix] are listed below. If you wish to bypass the Identification Keys and go directly to a detailed Species Description click on the species name below.

Alpine Grizzled Dusky [Pyrgus andromedae] [Pyrgus carlinae] [Pyrgus cirsii] [Pyrgus cacaliae]

Foulquier's Grizzled Skipper Grizzled Skipper Northern Grizzled Skipper [Pyrgus foulquieri] [Pyrgus malvae] [Pyrgus alveus] [Pyrgus centaureae]

Oberthur's Grizzled Skipper [Pyrgus armoricanus] [Pyrgus serratulae] [Pyrgus onopordi] [Pyrgus carthami]

Sandy Grizzled Skipper Southern Grizzled Skipper Yellow-banded Skipper Warren’s Skipper [Pyrgus cinarae] [] [] [] III Is your butterfly Pyrgus?

The Pyrgus group of skippers could be confused with and Muschampia species. The white markings on the upperside offer the best way of differentiating as the undersides sometimes require close comparison. Use the notes below [males and females are usually similar] to determine that your butterfly is a Pyrgus.

Pyrgus Spialia Muschampia There are five very similar species of Spialia. They can usually be The characteristic feature of the three separated from Pyrgus by the upperside species [see Appendix] of Muschampia is a features below. Keep in mind especially pair of rectangular shaped marks* here on Spialia that these features are not on the upperside fore-wing. Pyrgus may always present or clear due to age, sometimes have similar looking marks but variation, etc. These features tend to they are usually not as long and rectangular. *Note: These are sometimes faint and vague. be more consistent on Pyrgus.

4 marks here is strongly indicative of Spialia. Sage Skipper [Muschampia proto] is the Sometimes there are fewer marks similar species most likely to be encountered having to Pyrgus which usually has 3 marks. a wide southern European distribution. N.B. Take care not to include mark on top edge of wing. Apart from the proto characteristic mark Pyrgus has two marks displaced highlighted above Tessellated Skipper outwards from the row here. proto can usually be [Muschampia tessellum] is Spialia does not have this feature. distinguished from local in southern Pyrgus by the: and north west Greece. On On Spialia Small marks along Pyrgus usually well edge of fore-wing usually faint [i] distinctive bright [ii] absence of defined or absent yellowish-grey hairs significant white covering the upperside. marks in this area of fore-wing. Undersides These give the butterfly a ‘furry’ appearance. Proto underside ground colour can Red-underwing Skipper Hungarian Skipper Persian Skipper be greenish in spring and orange/ [] [] [Spialia phlomidis] brown in summer. Widespread across Europe. The Widespread in Local in southern Undersides Spialia species most likely to be seen. eastern Europe. Balkans. Muschampia can usually be distinguished from Pyrgus by the absence of a white basal mark here on the hind-wing.

The reddish-brown underside is Spinose Skipper usually noticeable but the colour Usually with more Underside hind-wing [Muschampia cribrellum] can vary in strength rounded underside has somewhat larger Rare and local in and Note: The local Spanish and Corsican hind-wing white marks white marks than southern Balkans. Its upperside has Red-underwing, Spialia rosae and than Pyrgus. most Pyrgus. larger white marks than most Pyrgus. therapne are almost identical to sertorius. IV Explanation of the terms used to describe wing markings For the identifcation of Pyrgus it is usually necessary to closely examine the markings on the upperside and the underside hind-wing. The markings on males and females of most Pyrgus species are similar. Where noticeable diferences occur between the sexes these will be highlighted. The diagrams below explain the terms used in this guide to describe the distinguishing wing features of Pyrgus species. These terms help to accurately locate these wing marks and so enable comparison between the species for identifcation. To facilitate reference to these diagrams a link to each Species Description page is provided below.

Upperside Underside hind-wing

There are three principal bands of Fore-wing marginal underside hind-wing markings starting cell mark discal from the base of the wing outwards: Explanation of the terms used to describe wing markings basal basal, discal, marginal. These terms are used in conjunction with the ‘space’ numbers explained below.

Fore-wing discal marks Hind-wing discal s4/5 discal mark marginal v7 s4/5 Hind-wing s7 submarginal marks basal s7 s6 v6 s5 v5 s4 The V numbers refer to the veins in ascending order v4 from bottom to top of the underside hind-wing s3 v3 The S numbers refer to the spaces between the veins in s2 ascending order from bottom to top of the underside hind-wing s1 v2 Wing marks are referred to by combining the band and the space where internal external v1 they are located. For example, ‘basal s7’ [see diagram]. Where a mark edge edge extends over two ‘spaces’ it is referred to as ‘discal s4/5’ [see diagram] The terms internal edge and external edge [nearest and furthest from base of wing respectively] are used to refer to either side of a wing mark.

Links to Species alveus andromedae armoricanus cacaliae carlinae carthami centaureae cinarae Descriptions cirsii foulquieri malvae/malvoides onopordi serratulae sidae warrenensis V Use this quick key to compare the upperside of your butterfly with the feature or combination of Quick This key covers all European features illustrated below*. Decide which it most closely resembles and follow the link to the detailed species except centaureae Upperside Species Description page. Keep in mind that [i] for a definitive identification of many Pyrgus a view of which is only found in Identifcation both upper and underside is usually necessary, [ii] there is great variation in Pyrgus and the features Fennoscandia. If your butterfly Key shown below may not always be clear or present. For an Explanation of Terms used click here was found there follow this link *Males and females are usually similar. Exceptions are highlighted in Species Descriptions. to Fennoscandia Key

Hind-wing discal mark bright, prominent malvae/ Hind-wing sub malvoides marginal marks or strong and often armoricanus arrow shaped

Hind-wing discal mark long, split down centre Hind-wing sub sidae or carthami marginal marks a series of streaks

Cell mark Fore-wing cell mark Cell mark Hind-wing wide and bright distinctively shaped looks ‘c’ marks pale Hind-wing shaped yellow/grey no bright white marks carlinae cirsii These marks also bright

Fore-wing marks Strong, white Hind-wing Three marks distinctively shaped marks with jagged marks here Hind-wing edges, especially usually pale Lower two look usually no bright discal marks here yellow/grey like an = sign white marks foulquieri andromedae

Fore-wing marks These fve species have very generally small similar uppersides. They can and scattered usually only be separated by a Hind-wing comparison of the undersides. no bright white marks Go to next page alveus cacaliae onopordi serratulae warrenensis

Cinarae is a very local species and rarely encountered. It is found in southern Fore-wing marks Balkans with isolated colonies present in the mountains of central . very bright prominent cinarae large white marks Note: The upperside of cinarae might possibly be confused with malvae/malvoides. If in doubt, compare the Species Descriptions. Quick A view of BOTH the upperside and the underside is necessary to defnitively separate these fve species. Upperside Identifcation cacaliae onopordi serratulae warrenensis Key: cont’d alveus

Comparing the factors below may also help to identify:

Size Large Large Medium Medium Very small

Spain, , and Only found in Alps, Pyrenees Widespread Rare, only found in Alps Distribution Widespread and Balkan Mountains southern

Altitude Range 0-2100m >1500m 0-1300m 0-2200m >1700m

Maps Note: The uppersides of female armoricanus, carlinae, and foulquieri might possibly be confused with the above species. Compare the Species Descriptions.

Terms Use the notes below to help diferentiate these fve species from one another by the underside hind-wing. Follow links for more details.

onopordi cacaliae onopordi This white mark is usually The mark is ‘waisted’ cacaliae noticeably at the centre, and longer and often but not thinner than always completely the other four symmetrical. It is species. Onopordi can usually be distinguished from the other normally black-edged. four species by [i] the distinctive anvil shaped mark in Cacaliae can usually be diferentiated from the other four discal s4/5 on the underside hind-wing [see above], and onopordi species by its basal s1 mark which is long and thin. cacaliae [ii] altitude - onopordi usually only found below 1300m.

warrenensis, alveus, serratulae To separate alveus and serratulae compare the warrenensis Warrenensis can be difcult to separate from mark in discal s4/5 on the underside hind-wing. alveus and serratulae. Firstly consider these factors: Pattern of white markings on [i] altitude - warrenensis does not fy below c.1700m alveus alveus and [ii] location - warrenensis is only found in the Alps Alveus mark usually has serratulae is very then use comparisons below referring to Species Descriptions. [i] an irregular external edge, [ii] the internal edge aligned similar. Warrenensis v alveus [i] warrenensis is noticeably small compared to alveus, with mark above in s6. For detailed and most other Pyrgus, [ii] upperside fore-wing marks of warrenensis are all comparison small whilst alveus may have some noticeably larger marks, [iii] upperside hind follow the serratulae -wing discal mark is usually absent in warrenensis but just visible in alveus. link below. Warrenensis v serratulae Shape of mark in discal s4/5 on Serratulae mark usually underside hind-wing may diferentiate. looks roughly rectangular. alveus, warrenensis serratulae Grizzled Skipper [Pyrgus malvae] Widespread, common Male/Female: similar Size: Small Flight: Apr-Jun Altitude: 0-2300m

Upperside Fore-wing cell mark: strong Underside hind-wing Key Identification Veins: clearly visible Features Fore-wing Basal s7: small marks Upperside hind- round mark generally: wing discal mark: strong, strong, white and Discal s4/5: external Marginal s4/5: mark white, very characteristic. edge of mark is clearly divided by vein 5 contrasted. concave, mirrors Hind-wing discal mark: Wing shape: upperside hind-wing Strong, white and a more compact Marginal s1/2: marks discal mark characteristic shape [as Hind-wing submarginal marks: and rounded than amorphous, but strong shown]. Note: Sometimes strong, often arrow-shaped, sometimes most other strongly. [See malvoides photo below]. Pyrgus. Discal s1: small round just a single horizontal line. Discal s2 : spot, sometimes very small usually no significant mark

Southern Grizzled Skipper [Pyrgus malvoides] Form taras Malvae is replaced by malvoides in south western Europe. Malvae upperside marks This aberrant form of malvae and malvoides are often more clearly delineated. Undersides are identical for all practical purposes. has fore-wing white Malvae/malvoides upperside could be The two species have distinct genitalia and can also be marks that are confused with armoricanus below. separated on a geographical basis; an approximate noticeably large To separate definitively, compare the dividing line running through central France and the Alps. and elongated. underside hind-wing markings, particularly Malvae occurs to the north and east of this transition zone Underside white basal s7, discal s1, discal s2 and malvoides to the south [see maps]. Malvoides has taras marks are reduced. using the descriptions above and below. malvoides two broods at lower altitudes from mid March to August. Terms Maps Oberthur’s Grizzled Skipper [Pyrgus armoricanus] Widespread, local Male/Female: upperside different Size: Medium Flight: May-Sep Altitude: 0-1500m Upperside Fore-wing cell mark: strong Underside hind-wing Key Identification Veins: distinctly prominent Fore-wing Features of marks Male generally: Discal s4/5: external medium-sized edge of mark is concave, complete white Upperside hind- internal edge sometimes marks. wing discal mark: concave at the top Hind-wing submarginal pale white, and Marginal s1/2: marks: usually prominent clear arrow- quite prominent. Basal s7: medium-sized and often arrow-shaped. Hind-wing discal mark: shaped marks, Upperside hind- rectangular, straight Pale white but strong [as shown], usually not solid wing submarginal edges especially in summer/autumn broods. marks: usually bright. Discal s1: The upperside marks of the female are much Discal s2 : mark usually rounded or amorphous mark, weaker than the male. Underside view is leaning internally necessary to confrm identifcation. nearly always present Yellow-banded Skipper [Pyrgus sidae] Localised colonies Male/Female: similar Size: Large Flight: May-Jun Altitude: 0-900m

Upperside Colour: greyish hair at wing bases Underside hind-wing Key Identification Fore-wing Feature cell mark: strong Underside hind- The bright colour of the Fore-wing wing colour: bands may fade with age Two marks unmistakeable Hind-wing discal mark: generally: yellow/orange variable, usually pale and split usually not bands are down the centre [as shown] very strong Two obvious and distinctive yellow/orange DIAGNOSTIC bands with black edges. These vary of sidae. from the pale yellow of subspecies occiduus Subspecies Hind-wing submarginal marks: NO other species to the strong vibrant colour shown above. but the black edges of Pyrgus has to the bands will occiduus long and narrow, usually prominent this feature. still be obvious.

Occiduus is found in Sierra de Gredos, Spain, south east France, western coastal areas of Italy, and on Istrian Sidae upperside could be confused with carthami below. peninsula in . Slightly smaller than sidae with Terms To separate by upperside, compare fore-wing cell mark, similar but less prominent markings on the upperside. location [see maps] and altitude - sidae rarely found over 1000m. The underside bands are a paler yellow than sidae. Maps

Safflower Skipper [Pyrgus carthami] Localised colonies Male/Female: similar Size: Large Flight: May-early Sep Altitude: 0-2300m

Upperside Colour: pale hair at wing bases Key Identification Feature Underside hind-wing Fore-wing cell mark: Underside hind-wing margin: not strong. Unbroken white band of Sometimes consistent width, extending clearly from s1 to s7. Σ shaped Marginal s4/5: Note: Serratulae sometimes like this two symmetrical has a similar white band. pointed marks, If in doubt, compare the separated by vein 5 marginal s4/5 mark.

Colour: ground colour varies from reddish to greenish and white marks Form nevadensis sometimes have darker outlines similar to form nevadensis below. Hind-wing Hind-wing discal mark: submarginal Fore-wing nevadensis long and narrow, Nevadensis is found in southern Spain. Differs marks: marks usually split down the from carthami in having [i] larger, brighter white long and generally: centre, often with narrow markings on upperside and [ii] underside narrow, usually strong marks either side markings defined by dark edges. prominent [as shown] nevadensis Foulquier’s Grizzled Skipper [Pyrgus foulquieri] Localised colonies Male/Female: upperside different Size: Large Flight: July - Aug Altitude: 0-2000m

Upperside Fore-wing marks generally: Underside hind-wing Strong, white with jagged edges. Key Identification Features Especially the discal marks here. Basal s7: rectangular Upperside mark fore-wing marks: Usually appear jagged at the edges. Some other Pyrgus can exhibit slightly jagged Marginal s1/2: Discal s4/5: Hind-wing marks but not to the same amorphous external edge discal mark: extent as foulquieri. marks of mark is Large and very Upperside hind-wing concave, prominent. Usually discal mark: internal edge is pale, straw-coloured. Usually large and straight very prominent. Discal s1: This mark is usually wider Hind-wing submarginal marks: and larger than any other Pyrgus, pale yellow, often arrow shaped

Female marks much weaker than male. Underside view of female necessary for identifcation. Terms Foulquieri and carlinae undersides are similar and could be confused. The best way to separate is by comparing size and shape of discal s1. Maps Carline Skipper [Pyrgus carlinae] Localised colonies Male/Female: upperside different Size: Medium Flight: mid Jun - Aug Altitude: >1500m Upperside Fore-wing cell mark: Usually ‘C ‘shaped. Key Identification Features Underside hind-wing

Basal s7: can Upperside fore-wing be rounded, cell mark: especially on the internal Shaped like a ‘C’, concave edge externally. If highly [as shown] concave this strongly Hind-wing indicates carlinae. If only Marginal s4/5: discal mark: slighly concave then Usually a long not noticeably also compare the Discal s4/5: rectangular white strong and narrowish and mark straddling v5 sometimes diffuse Hind-wing submarginal marks: Underside hind-wing compact mark, with a straight tend to be weak and sometimes marginal s4/5 mark usually with internal edge. Key diffuse, often arrow shaped [illustrated right] straight internal feature is the Marginal s1/2: edge Discal s1: straightness of the weak, [as shown] noticeable mark, internal edge as amorphous not always the mark is not The upperside marks of the female including the ‘C’ shaped marks cell mark are much weaker than the male. rounded always long. Underside view of female is necessary for identifcation. [Pyrgus cacaliae] Localised colonies Male/Female: similar Size: Large Flight: June-Aug Altitude: >1500m

Upperside No white Ground colour: Underside hind-wing mark here light brown Fore-wing Key Identification Compare Feature andromedae cell mark: below Very small. Basal s7: Fore-wing marks: rounded rectangular mark Discal s4/5: Very small, especially irregular mark, cell mark and widely wider in s5. separated. No significant white mark in the middle of the Marks above in Other high altitude basal row or in discal s2 s6/7 noticeably Pyrgus have similar narrower. uppersides so an underside view is Basal s1 and Discal s1 necessary to confirm Basal s1 is usually long and thin compared to the more rounded adjacent discal identification. s1 mark. This difference is usually not as marked as in andromedae below. Hind-wing Montane Group discal mark: no white mark present, Hind-wing although sometimes a submarginal marks: very pale impression Cacaliae and andromedae have similarly marked underside hind-wings. no noticeable Differentiate by: [i] ground colour, [ii] the presence of a significant white mark in the [as shown] Terms marks present middle of the basal row and/or in discal s2 identifies as andromedae NOT cacaliae, [iii] size/shape of basal s1 and discal s1, [iv] shape of basal s7. Maps occiduus [Pyrgus andromedae] Localised colonies Male/Female: similar Size: Large Flight: June-July Altitude: >1600m Upperside Fore-wing marks generally: Key Identification reasonably well Ground colour: dark brown Underside hind-wing defned Feature Basal s7: Three distinctive rectangular, not rounded fore-wing marks near cell mark: Discal s4/5: Marks usually clearly Presence of a significant white irregular mark, visible, although can mark in the middle of the basal wider in s5. vary in size and shape. row [as shown here] or in Marks above in The lower two marks discal s2 [not shown] s6/7 noticeably resemble an = sign. differentiates from cacaliae. narrower. Notes: [i] On older specimens marks may Hind-wing become obscured [ii] Fore- Basal s1: Discal s1: Hind-wing discal mark: wing marks usually more usually elongated, pointed at prominent mark, usually submarginal marks: pale and generally clearly defined than most external end and noticeably wider rounder or squarer than weak and obscure, somewhat other high altitude species. than the adjacent discal s1 mark the adjacent basal s1 rather diffuse scruffy appearance See Montane Group Together, these two marks are said to resemble a horizontal exclamation mark ! Rosy Grizzled Skipper [Pyrgus onopordi] Localised colonies Male/Female: similar Size: Medium Flight: April - mid Oct Altitude: 0-1300m

Upperside Fore-wing marks generally: Underside hind-wing medium strength Key Identification Feature Compare cirsii below Underside hind-wing Veins: prominent discal s4/5 mark: Distinctive ‘anvil’ shaped mark, ‘waisted’ at the Discal s4/5: Marginal s1/2: centre. The ‘anvil’ shape. amorphous, Note: This mark is strongly is often, but arrow shaped indicative of onopordi but not always, marks other species can have a completely similar looking mark, e.g. symmetrical. armoricanus, cacaliae, It is normally carthami, cirsii, malvae/ black-edged. Discal s1: malvoides. Therefore, if in top half of mark is significantly displaced internally Hind-wing doubt, compare other discal mark: Hind-wing submarginal marks: marking differences. frequently vague pale yellow or grey, and not well defined not well defined [as shown] [as shown] Terms Onopordi and cirsii have similarly marked underside hind-wings Differentiate by: shape of marks in discal s4/5 and discal s1. Maps occiduus Cinquefoil Skipper [Pyrgus cirsii] Localised colonies Male/Female: similar Size: Small-Medium Flight: late July - Sep Altitude: 0-1500m Upperside Fore-wing marks generally: Underside hind-wing strong, wide and prominent Key Identification Features Fore-wing Veins: distinctly prominent cell mark: Strong and Upperside fore-wing wide. cell mark: This mark is wider and Discal Marginal s4/5: stronger than nearly all s4/5: washed brown Fore-wing other Pyrgus. mark often mark straddling discal edged with vein 5. Usually Upperside fore-wing marks: black short, rectangular, discal marks: Wide and with an irregular Wide and bright, said to bright. internal edge. look like a ‘waving’ flag. Upperside hind-wing Hind-wing discal mark: discal mark: Discal s1: Usually strong, prominent Hind-wing submarginal marks: Marginal s1/2: weak, usually prominent, arrow shaped and Usually large and this mark usually leaning and often pale yellow prominent. strongly internally [as shown] amorphous marks rather than white. often pale yellow rather than white Large Grizzled Skipper [Pyrgus alveus] Localised colonies Male/Female: similar Size: Large Flight: June - Aug Altitude: 0 - 2100m

Upperside Underside hind-wing Fore-wing cell mark: Key Identification Feature weak, sometimes almost absent No specific characteristic Basal s7: features. broadly rectangular Differentiation from similar mark Pyrgus is usually achieved Marginal s4/5: by comparing Basal s1: rectangular mark the underside hind-wing straddling vein 5, with markings, especially the compact Hind-wing discal mark irregular internal edge marks listed below: mark, not and submarginal marks: elongated pale and weak, just visible, andromeda - basal s1 usually almost unmarked. cacaliae - basal s1 Discal s1: Discal s4/5: Fore-wing marks generally: Marginal s1/2: carlinae - marginal s4/5 prominent mark, internal edge of mark is generally small white marks with weak arrow shaped carthami - marginal s4/5 external edge aligned with internal edge Subspecies accretus some noticeably larger marks, slightly foulquieri - discal s1 clearly leaning of mark above in s6. amorphous onopordi - discal s4/5 inwards External edge irregular. Accretus replaces alveus in southern serratulae - see this page France, northern , Spain, and northern Italy. Upperside is brighter with more prominent white marks than alveus. Terms Alveus and serratulae can only be separated by comparing underside hind-wing markings, especially the marks in basal s7, discal s1, discal s4/5, marginal s1/2. Maps Olive Skipper [Pyrgus serratulae] Localised colonies Male/Female: upperside different Size: Medium Flight: May - Aug Altitude: 0 - 2200m Upperside Fore-wing cell mark: weak Key Identification Feature Underside hind-wing No specific characteristic features. Basal s7: rounded or Differentiation from similar Pyrgus is nearly usually achieved by comparing the rounded underside hind-wing marks, mark especially the marks listed below: Marginal s4/5: alveus - see this page mark straddling Hind-wing discal mark andromedae - basal s1 Basal s1: vein 5 usually and submarginal marks: armoricanus - discal s1 compact has an irregular Pale, weak, often Fore-wing marks generally: cacaliae - basal s1 mark not internal edge completely unmarked variable white marks carlinae - marginal s4/5, marginal s1/2 elongated which are often small carthami - marginal s4/5 foulquieri - discal s1 Discal s4/5: onopordi - discal s4/5 mark is straight Discal s1: Marginal s1/2: ended on both At high altitude mark is usually not Reasonably solid internal and serratulae can Form major leaning internally rounded marks, external edge Female has a distinctive be darker with Major is noticeably larger than serratulae especially s2 brassy sufusion. brighter markings. and occurs in south east Europe. Warren’s Grizzled Skipper [Pyrgus warrenensis] Localised colonies Male/Female: similar Size: Very small Flight: July Altitude: > 1700m

Upperside Fore-wing marks generally: Key Identification Features All white marks are very Underside hind-wing small, widely separated Size: and not elongated. Basal s7: usually noticeably smaller wide and than other Pyrgus broadly Upperside fore-wing marks: rectangular very small mark Discal s4/5: Upperside hind-wing discal broadly and submarginal marks: rectangular, with a Hind-wing discal mark basically absent straight internal and submarginal marks: Basal s1: edge that may To differentiate by underside Both these marks are compact extend at the top from the three similar species basically absent. mark, not of the external edge. which might be found flying elongated with warrenensis compare the Distribution underside marks listed below: Discal s1: large mark, slightly Marginal s1/2: Warrenensis is generally regarded as a rare species. It alveus - discal s1 rounded, not leaning amorphous, weak marks is only found in localised colonies in the Alps. cacaliae - basal s1 or only sightly leaning For details of species that might be found serratulae - discal s4/5 internally fying with warrenenesis see Montane Group

Terms Maps

Sandy Grizzled Skipper [Pyrgus cinarae] Localised colonies Male/Female: upperside different Size: Large Flight: mid June - early Aug Altitude: 500-1800m Key Identification Features Upperside Fore-wing cell mark: Noticeably large and often Underside hind-wing Upperside Basal s7: appears ‘waisted’ at the centre fore-wing marks: clear [as shown]. This shape is Large and prominent roundish distinctive but variable. Fore-wing cell mark: mark Noticeably large and frequently ‘waisted’ at the centre. Discal s1: Basal and discal Distribution: clear large mark marks generally: Very restricted range. white marks usually Fore-wing marks generally: Rarely encountered. clear and well defned Very bright, prominent, large, Note: Cinarae might be Distribution squarish white marks. confused with malvae/ malvoides. Diferentiate by: Cinarae is found in localised colonies in the southern Balkan peninsula. [i] cinarae is usually noticeably larger and brighter Subspecies clorinda Female fore-wing white marks much weaker [ii] comparing size of discal s1 Clorinda is also rarely encountered. It is than male. Underside view of female and basal s7 marks on found in the mountains of central Spain: Serrania de Cuenca, Sierra de Albarracin and Sierra de Avila. Males and females have a more necessary for identifcation. underside hind-wing. yellowish ground colour on both the upper and underside than cinarae. Northern Grizzled Skipper [Pyrgus centaureae] Localised colonies Male/Female: similar Size: Medium Flight: June - July Altitude: 0 - 1000m

Upperside Underside hind-wing Key Identification Features Fore-wing Basal s7: large marks rectangular mark generally: Upperside fore-wing marks: Strong, clear bright and prominent Veins: white marks Underside hind-wing veins: Basal s1: compact White and prominent, white mark, not elongated clearly visible and distinctive Discal s1: large mark Fennoscandia

alveus v centaureae Centaureae is only found in andromedae* v centaureae malvae v centaureae Fennoscandia, fying in central and northern / and Basal s7: . It has a fairly specialised malvae has a habitat of wet places on exposed small round mark and boggy areas in woodland which may help to distinguish it from the other three Pyrgus species present in its range: alveus, andromedae, malvae alveus has small alveus has andromedae has andromedae malvae usually Centaureae usually appears much white marks on brown veins on no white marks basal s1 mark has a whiter than these species. To help upperside underside on upperside is usually strong white diferentiate use the comparisons fore-wing hind-wing hind-wing elongated hind-wing Discal s1: malvae has opposite and Species Descriptions. discal mark * flies at 0-1000m in Fennoscandia a small round spot, sometimes very small Terms Maps

To help identification at high altitudes listed here are the Pyrgus northern Alps, Balkan Mountains southern Alps, Pyrenees Montane Group species which regularly fly above 2000m and the mountain ranges in which they are found. Refer to Species Descriptions and Distribution Maps for more information on altitude range and location. Grizzled Skipper Southern Grizzled Skipper [Pyrgus malvae] [Pyrgus malvoides] Alps, Balkan Safflower Skipper Olive Skipper Mountains, [Pyrgus carthami] [Pyrgus serratulae] Pyrenees Alps western Alps

Alpine Grizzled Skipper Dusky Grizzled Skipper Large Grizzled Skipper Warren’s Skipper Carline Skipper [Pyrgus andromedae] [Pyrgus cacaliae] [Pyrgus alveus] [Pyrgus warrenensis] [Pyrgus carlinae] Distribution Maps

Up to 1950 1951 - 1980 After 1980

alveus andromedae armoricanus cacaliae carlinae carthami

malvae

North and east of transition zone

centaureae cinarae cirsii foulquieri

Transition zone

South of malvoides transition zone onopordi serratulae sidae warrenensis Appendix

Geography The geographical area covered is as shown on the Distribution Maps excluding the coast of northern Africa.

Taxonomy We have followed the current EBG checklist of European butterflies which comprises species found in Europe up to the eastern boundary of the European Union. This checklist was compiled by an international committee of taxonomic experts. However, for completeness please note that: [i] foulquieri = bellieri, [ii] recent research has revealed two new cryptic Muschampia species; M. alta occurring in southern Italy and Balkan peninsula, and M. proteides found in easternmost Europe.

Acknowledgements

The distribution maps are reproduced by kind permission of LepiDiv Projekt. For more information please visit LepiDiv

Majority of photographs by Roger Gibbons. Our sincere thanks to the following for information and/or help with additional photographs: Vincent Baudraz, Ernst Brockmann, Paul Browning, Nick Greatorex-Davies, Peter Groenendijk, David Moore, Guy Padfield, Matt Rowlings, Nils Ryrholm, Simon Spencer, UK Butterflies, Wolfgang Wagner, Martin Wiemers.

©Copyright Butterfy Conservation: This guide is made available for private use only. Any form of commercial usage is forbidden.