English name:
Large Grizzled Skipper
Full scientific name:
Pyrgus alveus (Hübner, 1803)
Croatian name:
Planinski pirgus
Flight Period and Life Cycle
1 brood per year. Caterpillar hibernates during winter time.
Distribution in Croatia
Common on mountains. Check the included map.
External Morphology Characteristics
Pyrgus alveus is similar to Pyrgus armoricanus. In Pyrgus alveus, white markings on the upper side of hindwing are less prominent. Below are the differences that are sometimes not so emphasized.
(1) Pyrgus armoricanus has more prominent white markings on the upper side of the forewing. There is more clear X shape cell mark.
(2) Pyrgus armoricanus, in males, have more prominent white markings on the hindwing. In females, the upper side of hindwing can be very similar to Pyrgus alveus.
(3) Many individuals of Pyrgus alveus have almost invisible white markings on the upper side of hindwing.
(4) Pyrgus alveus has less prominent veins. The white markings of highlighted zones appear to be merged into a larger mark.
(5) Pyrgus armoricanus has more more rounded and blurred highlighted spot in S2 zone.
(6) Pyrgus armoricanus has white mark leaning a bit more internally.
(7) Pyrgus armoricanus has a white mark in S2 zone that looks like a sharper arrow.
Behavior
Imago feeds with the nectar of various flowers. It often rests on the ground.
Caterpillar Host Plants
Rock Roses from family Rosaceae like Helianthemum nummularium and Potentilla heptaphylla.
Habitat
Meadows and bushes on rocky terrains. Elevations: 500-1700m.
Gallery
