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Mallow skipper

Mallow skipper

Carcharodus alceae

A species of Carcharodus, Also known as Mallowipper

Embroidered with intricate patterns on its wings, mallow skipper is a dazzling sight during flights in sunlit clearings and edges of its habitat. This swift flier feeds primarily on the nectar of a range of flowers, showcasing a mutualistic relationship where it aids in plant pollination while sustaining itself. Larvae exhibit a different lifestyle, consuming leaves of specific host plants, which provides them with essential nutrients needed for their metamorphosis into the adorned adults admired by many.

General Info About Mallow skipper
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Attributes of Mallow skipper
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Habitat
calcareous grassland; ruderal area; road side; flood embankment; quarry; urban
Adult Food Sources
Lavandula sp. (lavender), thymus sp. (thyme), origanum sp. (oregano), rosmarinus sp. (rosemary), buddleja sp. (butterfly bush)
Larva Food Source
Malva (mallow), althaea officinalis (marsh-mallow), malva sylvestris (common mallow), lavatera trimestris (annual mallow), abutilon sp. (flowering maple)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Mallow skipper is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Mallow skipper is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Mallow skipper feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Mallow skipper
This widespread and common species can be found in most of southern and central Europe, in the South and Central Asia.
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Distribution Area of Mallow skipper
Spain, Central Europe, North India, China
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Life Cycle of Mallow skipper
Egg The hardly visible egg of the mallow skipper is laid singly on the host plant. It's small, oval-shaped, and changes color slightly as the embryo develops inside, indicating its maturity.
Larva After hatching, the larva of mallow skipper exhibits a voracious appetite for the host plant's foliage. It grows rapidly, molting several times, with its color, size, and patterns changing to better blend with its environment.
Pupal The mallow skipper forms a chrysalis during pupation. Here, transformation occurs within a protective casing, often fixed to a leaf or stem. The cocoon serves as a concealed, stationary developmental phase.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult mallow skipper boasts colorful wings and functional reproductive organs. It seeks nectar and mates, with wings relatively larger compared to body size, optimized for flight.
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Adult Size of Mallow skipper
3 - 3 cm
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Predators of Mallow skipper Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, ants, wasps, spiders, mantises
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Predators of Adult Mallow skipper
Birds, spiders, mantises, dragonflies, robber flies, lizards
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Interesting Facts About Mallow skipper
Despite its small size, mallow skipper has a unique thermoregulation technique, rapidly vibrating its wings to warm up before taking flight, even in cooler temperatures.
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Scientific Classification of Mallow skipper
Tips for Finding Mallow skipper
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Youth Habitat of Mallow skipper
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Mallow skipper
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Mallow skipper
Flowery fields or gardens with plants such as Malva (mallow) which adults feed on, or grassy areas hosting larval host plants.
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Habitat Preferences of Mallow skipper Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of mallow skipper are often laid singly on the leaves of the malvaceous host plants. As for the caterpillars, they can be found in shelters made from leaves of the same plants, joined together by silk. Pupae are usually formed within these shelters as well or in nearby leaf litter. If one wishes to search for them, visit fields or gardens where these host plants are common, examining the undersides of leaves for eggs, and checking for leaf rolls or foldings for caterpillars and pupae. Adult mallow skipper are typically spotted in warm, sunlit areas flitting around flowers, so search for them in similar open habitats with adult nectar sources.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Mallow skipper
Typically during daylight hours when adult mallow skipper are most active, especially in warmer, sunny conditions. Caterpillar stages may be observed throughout the day as well.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Mallow skipper
Dry and warm conditions are ideal. Avoid windy, rainy or cold weather as it can limit mallow skipper's activity.
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How and Where Can You Find Mallow skipper at Different Life Stages
Egg Locate eggs by inspecting the undersides of leaves of host plants, particularly mallows, that adult mallow skipper are known to lay eggs on. Eggs are small and may be laid singly or in clusters.
Larva Search for mallow skipper caterpillars on or near their food plants. Look for defoliation or frass (caterpillar droppings) as evidence of their presence. The caterpillars are usually more active at night, so searching during dusk or with a flashlight might be more productive.
Pupal Find mallow skipper pupae attached to plant stems or leaves, sometimes hidden within plant debris or soil near the host plant. Pupa may be camouflaged, so careful inspection is needed.
Adult Spot adult mallow skipper as they visit flowers to feed on nectar during sunny days. They may also be found resting with wings spread on warm surfaces. Early morning or late afternoon is often the best time to observe or photograph adults, as they are less active and more approachable.
Are Mallow skipper harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Mallow skipper
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Malvaceae
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell, Shape
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Mallow skipper is a dedicated pollinator frequently visiting flowers to consume pollen. Its attraction to flowers is influenced by their color, smell, and shape, with a particular fondness for blossoms of the Malvaceae family. While feeding, it inadvertently transfers pollen, aiding in plant reproduction.
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