This species is similar to the others within its genus, but there a few characteristics which can help identify it. The upperside has a patch of grey on the forewing, prominent white veins on both the underside and upperside hindwing and distinct spots on the hindwing upperside too. The underside overall is rather pale compared to the Marbled or Mallow Skippers, which share the same range and sometimes the same habitat. In the south of Spain during my visit in July it was one of the commonest skippers along with the Sage Skipper.
Distribution: Iberian Peninsula but absent in the SW, W and N, S and SE France, the Appenines in Italy and also Sicily. Much commoner in Spain than in the rest of its range.
Flight Period: Late April-October in several broods, most numerous in June and July. Univoltine in the north of its range.
Habitat: Warm open woodlands, stony woodlands with maquis scrub.
Foodplants: Horehounds (Ballota and Marrubium species).
Nectar Sources: A variety of flowers are visited with little preference in my experience. Also mudpuddles in areas with damp soil.
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- Southern Marbled Skipper, Sierra de Almijara, Spain, July 2020
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- Southern Marbled Skipper, Sierra de Almijara, Spain, July 2020
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- Southern Marbled Skipper, Sierra de Almijara, Spain, July 2020
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- Southern Marbled Skipper, Sierra de Almijara, Spain, July 2020
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- Southern Marbled Skipper, Sierra de Almijara, Spain, July 2020
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- Ballota hirsuta
