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Skippers for ID, please
Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2019 7:50 pm
by Trik
Sorry about this, but I always have difficulty with this type of Skipper, especially if I can't get an underside shot - the differences in the identifying markings are often so subtle.
These are two different butterflies, photographed on 26 September in Catalonia, either in the Pre Pyrenees or Pyrenees. Any help will be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Trik
Re: Skippers for ID, please
Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2019 10:32 pm
by David M
Hard to be sure without an underside, but based on the upperwings I'd say most likely is armoricanus.
Re: Skippers for ID, please
Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2019 10:55 pm
by Trik
Thanks, David. I did guess at Oberthur's but isn't end-September a bit late for them?
Trik
Re: Skippers for ID, please
Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2019 11:38 am
by David M
Trik wrote:Thanks, David. I did guess at Oberthur's but isn't end-September a bit late for them?
Flight times vary enormously depending on the latitude and altitude, Trik. This is why Orange Tips can be on the wing in late July in many places in Europe. Abnormally hot conditions may also bring about additional broods.
Re: Skippers for ID, please
Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2019 3:42 pm
by Trik
We were told that the weather was unseasonably hot for late September where we were, so that could explain the lateness of this skipper. Thank you, David.
Trik
Re: Skippers for ID, please
Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2019 4:15 pm
by Padfield
I agree they both look most like
armoricanus, which regularly flies into early September in Switzerland. The only real alternative is
onopordi, which is present in Cataluña and flies into October. The uppersides of this may be almost as well marked and the general appearance is good. This is a Swiss
onopordi:
Without a glimpse of an underside I'm not sure I could be certain either way.
Guy