15. D ESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE: HESPERIIDAE FAMILY Silver-spotted Skipper Hesperia comma (Linnaeus, 1758) DESCRIPTION Wingspan: From 2.8 to 3.5 cm. Open wings: These butterfl ies usually only show their forewings, which are golden on the inside and brown towards the margins with a series of gold-coloured spots that do not compose an arch. Male butterfl ies have a thick black line (androconia). Closed wings: Very often they only show hindwings, which are greeny with a series of striking white spots. Golden inner part of the wing Male butterfl ies : a thick black line (androconia) A series of gold-coloured spots Brown outer part of the wings Green ground colour Clearly marked white points 66 DIURNAL BUTTERFLIES • GR-249 Great Malaga Path Lulworth Skipper: It can only be seen with open wings, when it has golden spots which make a clearly defi ned arch. It is also smaller. Large Skipper: When its wings are open it is not so brown, and it seems brighter with not so clearly defi ned golden spots. When its wings are closed, the spots can hardly been seen. Lulworth Skipper Large Skipper In Málaga, this species takes one generation to fl y in July. It can be found in the mountains at an altitude between 1300 and 1900 m, and in rocky areas with thicket, which is scattered around, and a lot of herbaceous plants, used as food by caterpillars. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec This species is rare and placed in limited number of places in Málaga, but it has not been spotted along the GMP. Nevertheless, it might be found high along the stage 11 as it was seen in close surroundings with similar characteristics. What is more, even though the species has not been seen in the Serranía de Ronda, there is a possibility to see it on stage 23 at high altitudes. Legend: Great Malaga Path Distribution of the species along the GMP GR-249 Great Malaga Path • DIURNAL BUTTERFLIES 67.