Northern Grizzled Skipper
Common NameNorthern Grizzled Skipper
Scientific NamePyrgus centaureae
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, grey
HabitatTundra, bogs, heathlands, open rocky areas, clearings, forest edges
Geographic RangeCircumboreal; North America (Alaska, Canada, northern US states), Eurasia
Host PlantsRubus chamaemorus, Potentilla, Dryas octopetala
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on the host plant, overwinter as partially grown larvae, and pupate in a loose cocoon near the ground in spring.
Identification TipsKey features include the grizzled dark and white checkered pattern on both forewings and hindwings, and a prominent white discal band on the underside of the hindwing. Its small size and characteristic fast, darting skipper flight are also indicative.
Description
A small, dark skipper with a distinctive grizzled or checkered pattern of white spots and bands on a dark brown to black background, and a hairy, greyish body.
