Grizzled Skipper
Pyrgus malvaeThe Grizzled Skipper is a small but lively butterfly, darting low across open ground and perching frequently. Up close, their striking black and white chequered wings are what set them apart from other skippers. They enjoy basking in warm sunshine but are active throughout the day, from early morning into the evening. Found in habitats with sparse vegetation such as woodland rides, grasslands and even brownfield sites, they are flexible but selective about where they lay their eggs.
Up early to enjoy the sunshine
The Grizzled Skipper may be small, but it’s full of personality. It darts about low to the ground, hopping from perch to perch. If you can catch it with its wings open, you’ll see beautiful black and white chequerboard patterns.
Like many butterflies, the Grizzled Skipper likes it warm and will sunbathe for long periods of the day. But that doesn’t mean they’re lazy – these butterflies are early risers but will also fly into the evening if it’s warm enough.
This zippy little skipper likes areas without too much vegetation, usually woodland rides, grasslands, and even spoil heaps and rubbish tips.
Despite their humble choice of accommodation, females can be quite picky about where they lay their eggs. There’s evidence they may even be able to select plants with higher nutritional content for their caterpillars-to-be.
Once out in the world, those caterpillars are known to feed on Wild Strawberry and other plants in the rose family.
To spot these grizzly guys, you’ll have to head to Wales or southern and central England.
Vibes
Each butterfly is scored out of 100 across a set of traits, from how bold and visible it is to how far it travels or how particular it is about where it lives. These scores compare each species with the other butterflies in Britain, helping you see their differences at a glance. Here’s what makes the Grizzled Skipper special.
Bright colours, bold patterns, and a love of the spotlight. Some butterflies just can’t help showing off.
Fast, or throwing some seriously impressive moves, these butterflies are in a flutter.
Always on guard, ready to hide or defend - these butterflies have self-preservation down to an art.
It’s ok to be a little… well, weird. These butterflies have been certified with the freak factor.
Like Goldilocks, everything has to be just right for these perfectionists.
Hard to spot and even harder to forget, these butterflies are a true one of a kind.
Bold, curious, and ready to explore, these brave butterflies live for the thrill and aren’t afraid to travel.
Weather-resistant, battle-hardened, and built to survive, these butterflies know how to take it on the wing.
Grizzled Skippers thrive in unexpected places, such as old quarries and rubbish tips, as long as there’s warm, open ground
Test your knowledge
What helps distinguish the Grizzled Skipper from other skippers?The Grizzled Skipper has a distinctive black and white chequered wing pattern that sets them apart from other skippers.
Does the Grizzled Skipper get your vote?