skipper Spain (1 Viewer)

Steve Babbs

Well-known member

• Sep 25, 2017

• #1

Hi

Part of me is tempted to start ignoring all but the obvious butterflies in Europe because every trip is followed by much scratching of the head and then giving up and asking for help.

Can anyone help with this skipper phtographed near Potes? It was at fairly low altitude.

Thanks

Steve

 

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Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Sep 25, 2017

• #2

The spotting at the rear of the hind wing and the chequer pattern also at the wing edge, suggest that it's a regular Grizzled Skipper to me.

Tough one, underside looks close to a 1st gen Red-underwing, so does the upper wing actually?



A

 

Last edited: Sep 25, 2017

Steve Babbs

Well-known member

• Sep 27, 2017

• #3

andyadcock said:

The spotting at the rear of the hind wing and the chequer pattern also at the wing edge, suggest that it's a regular Grizzled Skipper to me.

Tough one, underside looks close to a 1st gen Red-underwing, so does the upper wing actually?



A

Click to expand...

I swear European butterflies are far harder than South American flycatchers.

 

ApusApus

Well-known member

• Sep 28, 2017

• #4

Red Underwing Skipper for me!


Shane

 

J

Julian Perry

Active member

• Sep 28, 2017

• #5

The fine spots along the margins of the upper wings indicate that the butterfly belongs to the genus Spialia rather than Pyrgus.

The most likely species is therefore Red-underwing Skipper (Spialia sertorius).

However, just be aware that recently the genus Spialia has undergone revision, and it is now reported that there is an almost 'indistinguishable' species found flying alongside the former in Spain...Spanish Red-underwing Skipper (Spialia rosae).

http://biologiaevolutiva.org/rvila/Lab/Publications_files/prova.pdf

 

Steve Babbs

Well-known member

• Oct 1, 2017

• #6

Perhaps I should just stick to looking at two-tailed pashas and emperor species! This skipper looks disticnctive but I'm still struggling. Sorry no underwing photo. It's from Somiedo NP.

 

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Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Oct 1, 2017

• #7

Another Red-underwing for me, like the attached

http://james-champion.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSCN5372.jpg


A

 

Steve Babbs

Well-known member

• Oct 1, 2017

• #8

Thanks Andy.