Pyrenees Pyrgus

[Part timer]

On a cold wet winter day (in England at least) how about a pyrgus challenge to brighten things up a bit?

I think the following, all taken in the French Pyrenees in June, are all either armoricanus or alveus, except for the first that may be cartharmi, but beyond that I'd be guessing, so any opinions (expert or otherwise) welcome.

Regards, Rupert

[David M]

Are any of these ups and uns of the same butterfly, Rupert?

[Part timer]

That's a very good question, David! Counting from the top:

I think no. 1 is unique (but not impossible it's the same as 4 and/or 5) as they were taken fairly close by about 12 minutes apart
Nos. 2 & 3 are unique.
Nos. 4 and 5 may or may not be the same insect; they were certainly taken close together a few minutes apart
Nos. 6 & 7 are definitely the same.

Look forward to hearing more from you!

[David M]

Thanks, Rupert.

I don't think any are carthami, and the only one I've got much confidence with is the final butterfly, with ups and uns in the last two images. That looks like armoricanus to me.

[Part timer]

Thanks, David. I always find these very tricky!

[David M]

Yes, they are the most difficult group of all, Rupert.

I generally try to rule things out first. Carthami and malvoides are the easiest to identify, and once you've eliminated those you look for the most distinctive elements of the others, the 'clothes-peg' in armoricanus, the anvil outlined in black of onorpordi or the exclamation mark in andromedae.

The two I really struggle with are alveus and serratulae. Large Grizzled Skipper isn't that much larger than Olive Skipper and I really need a close, unobstructed look at the underside to be sure.

[Padfield]

I also like the last one for armoricanus. For the others, I'd go for serratulae. As we've often remarked, this is a very variable butterfly, but these pictures show some of its key features and it certainly flies in the region. Note in particular: the lack of any clearly defined markings on the hindwing uppersides; the discreteness of all the forewing upperside marks; the rather square central spot on the underside hindwing; the oval mark near the costa; the hint of a white border to the underside hindwing, near the anal angle.

Guy

[Part timer]

Many thanks again to both.

I didn't post the attached originally (same insect - taken at around the same time in the same area) because I was pretty confident that it is malvoides but grateful for your confirmation or otherwise anyway.

Regards, Rupert

[David M]

I have to say that from what I can see this doesn't strike me as malvoides, Rupert. I usually find the ground colour on the hindwing uns much darker than your insect above. Of course, the upperside hindwing is the key giveaway for this species, but sadly that's the one thing missing!

Do you have Jacquier's pyrgus guide? If not, PM me with your email address and I'll forward it over to you - it's extremely useful.

[Roger Gibbons]

Rupert,

Here is the link to the online Pyrgus guide:
http://files.biolovision.net/www.fauneg ... 1-7022.pdf

It's not possible to ID your latest Pyrgus with any confidence, but I would say that alveus is a strong candidate, on the basis I can see more reasons to preclude other species than I can for alveus. Not exactly scientific, but then Pyrgus ID is often a case of guesswork.

Maybe Guy will pick up this thread and offer an opinion.

Roger

[Part timer]

Once again, thanks for your contributions, particularly the pointers to the Jacquier guide, which I have just downloaded. What a superbly crafted and illustrated piece of work, a real labour of love. Does he do Fritillaries and Blues as well?

I have probably run out of Pyrenees pyrgus for now, although I haven't checked through all my wife's photos yet and she is far more prolific than I am, so never say never ........

[Roger Gibbons]

There is a quick guide to blues and fritillaries undersides and Erebia uppersides - links on my home page.

I have a few updates from 2019 to add, and I plan to add fritillary uppersides in due course.

Roger

[Part timer]

I have referred to that site a number of times and found it very useful - I hadn't made the connection. I'm planning a first trip to the Dordogne in September next year, so looking forward to what can be seen there (butterflies, birds, food, wine .........).

[Roger Gibbons]

This might be of use:
http://dordognebutterflybirdwatching.co.uk/

Roger

[David M]

...I'm planning a first trip to the Dordogne in September next year, so looking forward to what can be seen there (butterflies, birds, food, wine .........)

Sounds idyllic, Rupert. I'm sure you'll have a great time.