Safflower Skipper
Common NameSafflower Skipper
Scientific NamePyrgus carthami
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)31
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, grey
HabitatDry grasslands, steppes, open areas, often with sparse vegetation
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, extending eastwards into parts of Asia
Host PlantsMalva sylvestris, Althaea officinalis, Sida hermaphrodita, Potentilla
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae feed on mallow leaves, often creating leaf shelters, and typically overwinter as larvae or pupae.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pattern of numerous, relatively large white spots on a dark brown background, especially on the forewings. The body is notably hairy and greyish, and like all skippers, it has characteristic hooked antennae.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with a robust, hairy greyish-brown body and dark brown wings heavily patterned with prominent white rectangular and square spots on both forewings and hindwings.
