Photo © Pete Eeles

Grizzled Skipper

Pyrgus malvae

Checklist Number
57.002 [B&F: 1534]

Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)

Classification

Family:Hesperiidae
Subfamily:Pyrginae
Genus:Pyrgus
Species:malvae
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1758)

In decline and on the UK BAP list, in woodland clearings, woodland edges, rough grassland and chalk and limestone districts; found in mainland Europe and Fennoscandia. This butterfly is found in England south of a line extended from West Gloucestershire in the west to North Lincolnshire in the east, with strongholds in central and southern England. There are scattered colonies further north and in Wales. In Hampshire and Isle of Wight widespread across the chalk, in particular at Magdalen Hill Down, Martin Down and Stockbridge Down, and the north-western downs of the Isle of Wight, but has declined generally and now absent from many former strongholds. Wingspan 22-26 mm. Larva feeds on Tormentil, Creeping Cinquefoil, Wild Strawberry, Agrimony and Bramble.