Large Grizzled Skipper
Common NameLarge Grizzled Skipper
Scientific NamePyrgus alveus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)31
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white, grey
HabitatDry grasslands, meadows, rocky slopes, subalpine areas, forest clearings
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia (from Scandinavia to Siberia and Mongolia)
Host PlantsPotentilla, Helianthemum
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on leaves, often creating a silk shelter, and typically overwinter before pupating in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its relatively large size for a grizzled skipper, the distinct and often rectangular white spots on both forewings and hindwings, and the clear checkered fringe.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with dark brown to greyish-brown wings heavily marked with distinct white rectangular and triangular spots, and a prominent white-and-dark checkered fringe.
