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Grizzled Skipper, Pyrgus malvae

BeckleyWoods, Photo: Stuart Cooper

Species Champion: Jim Barrett

Recorded sightings in 2009: 33

Recorded sightings in 2010: 197

Status in Rother: At risk of extinction in Rother. Only a few small woodland colonies remain. Rother population includes the scarce taras form.

Habitat: Three main types are used: woodland rides, glades, and clearings; unimproved grassland; and recently abandoned industrial sites such as disused mineral workings, spoil heaps, railway lines, and even rubbish tips. Occasionally, it breeds on heathland, damp grassland, and dunes. In all habitats it requires plentiful spring nectar plants, at least one of the main foodplants growing in short vegetation (< 10cm) usually with patches of bare ground, and patches of taller vegetation (10-50 cm) and scrub or woodland edges. A variety of foodplants are used, including Agrimony and Wild Strawberry.

ID Tips: A tiny, fast flying butterfly which can appear grey in flight. The only local butterfly with a black and white chequered pattern on the wings.

First sighting in Rother (2009): 26 April
Recorded by: Kevin Fletcher

First sighting in Rother (2010): 18 April
Recorded by: Susanne Whiting

UK Distribution trend: -49%

Ten year UK Population trend (1995-2004): -42%

Long term UK population trend: -34%