This species is almost inseparable from the Grizzled Skipper, differing only in its genitalia. It is a double-brooded species whereas the Grizzled Skipper often only has one from April to June. Having seen one in the Pyrenees in July I had it confirmed by an expert that it was P. malvoides.

Distribution: Most of Spain and Portugal, through S France to W Austria and Slovenia. Also peninsular Italy.

Flight Period: April-September in 2 broods.

Habitat: Sunny woodland clearings, dry meadows, rocky hillsides, grassy and flowery areas.

Foodplants: Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca), cinquefoils (Potentilla) and brambles (Rubus) species.

Nectar Sources: Particularly fond of buttercups (Ranunculus), but also dandelion (Taraxacum), Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus coniculatus), Sedum, hawkweeds (Hieracium), scabiouses (Knautia) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).

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