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Field guide · Denmark
Skippers · Denmark

Oberthürs grizzled skipper

Pyrgus armoricanus

Oberthürs grizzled skipper is rare in Denmark. Wing span: 21-25 mm. Oberthürs grizzled skipper typically flies for two generations, the first from mid-May to late June, and the second in July-August. Warm and open locations with a rich flower flora.

Status in this countryRare in DenmarkLC (Least concern)
Oberthürs grizzled skipper

Flight period

Oberthür’s grizzled skipper normally flies in two generations: the first from mid-May to late June and the second in July–August.

Habitat

Warm and open areas with a rich flowering flora. In Denmark, the locations are almost all open coastal slopes.

Identifying features

Wingspan: 21-25 mm. Forewings and hindwings grey; forewings with distinct white spots, hindwings with blurred/outlined spots.

Similar species

Oberthürs grizzled skipper can be very easily confused with Grizzled skipper, but this species has distinct white spots on the hindwings and is smaller. Additionally, it lacks the oberthürs grizzled skipper Grizzled skipper chain of small white spots along the forewing margin.

Distribution

The species has been found in many places in Western Zealand and around Halsnæs in Northeastern Zealand. The last sighting from Northeastern Zealand was a single specimen, which was observed at Hyllingebjerg near Frederiksværk in 1987.

Biology

Oberthürs grizzled skipper requires considerable warmth to thrive, which is likely a factor in its decline and limited distribution in Denmark. The species enjoys basking in the sun, as well as visiting flowers to seek nectar.