Marbled Skipper
Common NameMarbled Skipper
Scientific NameCarcharodus lavatherae
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)31
Primary Colorsbrown, white, tan
HabitatDry, rocky grasslands, garrigue, maquis, often on calcareous soils
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe (from Portugal to Greece), North Africa, parts of Western Asia
Host PlantsStachys recta, Stachys germanica, Marrubium vulgare
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on the host plant, often creating a leaf shelter, and typically overwinter as pupae.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive marbled pattern of brown and white patches on the wings, particularly the underside of the hindwings, and the robust body typical of skippers with hooked antennae.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with broad, rounded wings featuring a complex marbled pattern of dark brown, white, and greyish-tan patches on both upper and underside.
