(Rambur, 1839)
Description:
This grizzled skipper occurs on warm, flower-rich grasslands, preferring those in sheltered situations, for example, on slopes, or near shrubs or woodland. In the northern part of its range, it is only found in very warm places.
The female lays her eggs singly on the underside of the leaves of various cinquefoils (Potentilla spp.), choosing the smaller plants. This butterfly hibernates as a very tiny caterpillar in the egg, in which it remains until the spring. It then emerges and spins itself a small shelter from leaves. In the last larval instar, this is replaced by a parchment-like shelter. It pupates in a cocoon.
It is single-brooded.
This grizzled skipper only occurs in Europe. Unlike other grizzled skippers, it is known to be declining, and should be protected.
Habitat:
Alpine grasslands
Dry siliceous grasslands
Dry calcareous grasslands
Mesophile grasslands
Similar species:
Pyrgus carlinae
Pyrgus serratulae
Pyrgus onopordi