This skipper is a small fast-flying butterfly fond of hot and dry areas. It is found in the Mediterranean region along with its relative the Pygmy Skipper. Despite showing similar habitat preferences the two are rarely seen at the one site. The current species is somewhat larger and paler and with fewer white spots on the underside forewing, although these features can be difficult to observe in the field. It is a local species and I came across one in southern Spain, much to my delight!

Distribution: Patchily distributed in the Mediterranean region, from southern Portugal across to Greece, but absent from France and must of the Italian coastline. Inland colonies exist in parts of Spain, Greece, Serbia and Macedonia. Also Corsica, Sardinia, Mallorca and Crete.

Flight Period: April-October in multiple broods, much more numerous in the summer and autumn.

Habitat: Dry riverbeds, sandy/stony coastal brownfield land, sand dunes, hot dry cultivated land up to 400m, but usually much lower.

Foodplants: Various grasses (Poaceae), precise species unknown in Europe.

Nectar Sources: A variety of small flowers. I observed it feeding on Mediterranean Thyme (Thymus capitata).

<Prev