Oberthür's grizzled skipper
Common NameOberthür's grizzled skipper
Scientific NamePyrgus oberthueri
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)26
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white, grey
HabitatAlpine meadows, rocky slopes, subalpine grasslands
Geographic RangePyrenees, Alps, Apennines, Balkan mountains (Europe)
Host PlantsPotentilla, Helianthemum
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae feed on leaves, often creating shelters, and typically overwinter as larvae. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include the specific arrangement and shape of the white spots on the upperside, particularly the prominent white markings on the hindwings, and the clean white fringe. It can be distinguished from similar *Pyrgus* species by these spot patterns and often by the hindwing underside markings (not visible in this image).
Description
A small, dark brown skipper with prominent white rectangular and square spots on both forewings and hindwings, and a distinctive white fringe along the wing margins. The body is hairy and greyish-brown.
