Regional Species


Grizzled Skipper
Pyrgus malvae

Photograph by Ilija Vukomanovic

Regional Species

A very scarce species now reduced to only a handful of colonies in our region. Currently, the best site is probably the Wrexham Industrial Estate, especially the northeastern area near the Calypso Soft Drinks factory. This particular 'brownfield' site provides a refuge for many scarce species of plants and invertebrates that struggle to persist in our agri-industrial countryside. Unfortunately, although there is increasing recognition of the value of sites like this, development pressures are such that there can be no guarantees for the future. Other sites where this butterfly has occurred recently are Loggerheads Country Park and Marford Quarry.

Relatively recently it occurred in a scattering of sites across North Wales, for example in Harlech Forest in the early 1980s, but with a concentration in the limestone areas of NE Wales. Regrettably, it has been lost from all these sites, including what is now the Butterfly Conservation reserve at Eyarth Rocks although it is hoped that this site, at least, can be brought back into favourable condition by the ambitious management work being carried out there.

The requirement is for sparsely vegetated transitional habitats with abundant nectar sources and an ample supply of one of the larval foodplants. Some degree of shelter is also desirable such as might be provided by a scattering of bushes. Recently felled areas within broad-leaved woodland may provide suitable conditions for a number of years before becoming overgrown, thus forcing the butterflies to move elsewhere.

The flight period extends from April into June with a peak in May. Eggs are laid on a variety of larval foodplants, including Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) and Tormentil (Potentilla erecta).

Confusion is possible with the Dingy Skipper and perhaps especially with the Latticed Heath, a day flying moth which shares the same habitat and flight time.

Further information available from the NW Lepidoptera Database, including access to detailed records, maps, flight-time charts and photographs.