Grizzled Skipper
Common NameGrizzled Skipper
Scientific NamePyrgus malvae
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, white
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, open woodlands, hedgerows, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope and temperate Asia, from Ireland to Japan
Host PlantsPotentilla, Fragaria, Rubus, Agrimonia
Flight PeriodApril to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a dark head, feeding on leaves before pupating in a loose cocoon near the ground. Overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark ground color with prominent, somewhat rectangular white spots on both forewings and hindwings, and the strongly checkered wing fringes. Can be confused with other Pyrgus species, but the distinct white markings are key.
Description
A small, dark brown or black skipper with a distinctive checkered pattern of prominent white spots on its wings and a white-and-black checkered fringe, giving it a 'grizzled' appearance.
