Alpine Grizzled Skipper
Common NameAlpine Grizzled Skipper
Scientific NamePyrgus andromedae
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)31
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatAlpine meadows, rocky slopes, scree, high-altitude grasslands
Geographic RangeEuropean mountain ranges (Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, Apennines), Scandinavia, Urals, Siberia, Central Asia
Host PlantsPotentilla aurea, Potentilla crantzii, Potentilla erecta
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of host plants. Larvae feed on the leaves, often creating a silken tent, and typically overwinter as a larva before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark brown ground color with relatively large, clean white spots on both wings, and a clearly checkered fringe. The overall appearance is quite 'grizzled'.
Description
A small, dark brown skipper with a distinctive pattern of bright white, somewhat rectangular spots across its forewings and hindwings, and a prominent white-and-dark checkered fringe.
