Mountain Sandman
Common NameMountain Sandman
Scientific NameSpialia sertorius
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)27
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatDry grasslands, meadows, rocky slopes, open woodlands, mountainous regions
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, parts of Asia Minor
Host PlantsSanguisorba minor, Potentilla spp., Rubus spp.
Flight PeriodApril to June, July to August (bivoltine)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae feed on leaves, often creating a silken tent or rolled leaf shelter, and overwinter as larvae. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown ground color with clear, well-defined white spots on both wing surfaces and a distinctive checkered pattern on the wing fringes. The underside of the hindwing often shows a prominent pattern of white spots.
Description
A small, dark brown skipper with numerous distinct white spots scattered across both forewings and hindwings, and a prominent checkered fringe.
