Grizzled Skipper
Image: Henryk Siuda (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameGrizzled Skipper
Scientific NamePyrgus malvae
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, grey
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, forest clearings, woodland edges, chalk downlands
Geographic RangeEurope and temperate Asia, from the UK to Japan
Host PlantsPotentilla, Fragaria, Rubus, Agrimonia
Flight PeriodApril to August (two broods in some areas)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a dark head, feeding on leaves and living in a silken tent. Pupation occurs in a cocoon near the ground, overwintering as a pupa.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark brown wings with numerous, distinct, squarish white spots. The underside of the hindwing often has a greenish-grey wash with white markings. Its rapid, low flight is also characteristic.
Description
A small, robust skipper with dark brown wings heavily marked with prominent white, somewhat square-shaped spots. Its body is hairy and greyish-brown.
