www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

One for the Skipper experts, seen near Lalbenque,South east of Cahors ,France.
Opposite the Borie.
https://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com

Do you have even a glimpse of an underside?

Guy

Yes, it's quite a puzzler is that, and proof positive of how both upper and undersides are required when identifying this genus.

My instant reaction was onopordi, but there are alternatives. Just a glimpse of the uns would suffice ...

Guy

Hellow Guy, sorry no underside shot, the colour drew my attention,it was very elusive,Tristan Lafranchis has the following listed for the district, see Chazara briseis Lafranchis 2001 (6,41 MB)
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Silver-spotted skipper,Cinquefoil skipper and Safflower skipper.
I was at this site in hopes of finding the Hermit,more pics to follow as time permits.
Are these two Greyling ? Not sure about the Blue either Silver-spotted skipper, nimble little critters,they vanish as quick as you spot them.

I just looked on Google maps to see precisely where Lalbenque is and it does seem to coincide exactly with a known location for onopordi. Your butterfly is certainly not the other species you mention, so I still go for that.

Your first grayling is the British grayling, semele. The second is a female tree grayling, Hipparchia statilinus. As for the blue, it's a female of the subgenus (or genus, depending on author) Lysandra. I would suggest it is chalkhill blue, Polyommatus (Lysandra) coridon.

Guy

Hello Guy thanks for your comments,Rosy Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus onopordi) is a new species for me, also pleased with the Hipparchia statilinus only the second one I've seen.
A few more pictures from the same location,apparently the route of St. Jacques de Compostelle passes this location,only wish my knees would allow me to walk it.
Clouded yellow. Queen of Spain. and more blues that I asume are Polyommatus (Lysandra) coridon.