(Ochsenheimer, 1808)
Sage Skipper
Description:
The Sage Skipper occurs on dry, flower-rich grassland, in open scrub, on rocky ground with sparse vegetation. However, in its chosen habitat, the larval food plants are usually abundant. Various species of Phlomis are used, such as Jerusalem Sage (P. fructicosa), P. lychnitis, P. herba-venti, and perhaps also Horehound (Marrubium spp.).
Although there is probably only one generation a year, the butterflies of the Sage Skipper can be seen from spring until autumn, due to prolonged emergence from the chrysalis. This skipper passes the winter as a caterpillar.
Habitat:
Alpine grasslands
Dry calcareous grasslands
Heath and shrub
Phrygana vegetation
Sclerophyllous scrub
Similar species:
Muschampia tessellum
Muschampia cribrellum
Pyrgus carthami
Pyrgus cinarae