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Safflower skipper

Safflower skipper

Pyrgus carthami

A species of Checkered-skippers

The wingspan is 30–34 mm, the female being on average slightly larger than the male. This species is typical of the genus and it is the largest European Pyrgus. The upperside of the wings is grayish brown. On the upperside of the forewing there are a basal gray and white fringe of hair and variables quadrangular white patches, with a cell spot in the form of a Greek capital sigma. The upperside hindwing shows a submarginal line of white spots and a postdiscal line of oval whitish spots. The underside of the forewings is lighter, greenish-brown with white markings, while in the hindwings there are large brown and white patches bordered with dark grey and a white submarginal area. The caterpillar is mainly olive-brown to beige with a blackish chest. This species is rather similar to Pyrgus alveus, Pyrgus armoricanus, Pyrgus serratulae and Pyrgus malvae. It can be difficult to separate this species from its congeners. It is most often confused with the large grizzled skipper (P. alveus) as the two species are often found in similar habitats. P. carthami can usually be separated from this species by the more closely grouped white spots on the forewing and a band of evenly sized pale spots in the postdiscal area of the hindwing.

General Info About Safflower skipper
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Attributes of Safflower skipper
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
White
Habitat
This species is a widespread in Southern and Central Europe, Asia Minor, Russia and Central Asia. It is absent from North Africa, peninsular Italy, northern France, the British Isles and Scandinavia. It frequents dry, sunny slopes, clearings, meadows and other grassy places, from sea level to 1900 m. In some parts of its range, it is fairly common.
Adult Food Sources
Thistle nectar, viper's-bugloss nectar, lavender nectar, bramble nectar, ragwort nectar
Larva Food Source
Potentilla species, alchemilla species, helianthemum species
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Safflower skipper
Not endangered
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Distribution Area of Safflower skipper
Iberian Peninsula, the Balkans, Central Europe, southern Urals, the northwestern Caucasus, North Africa, peninsular Italy, northern France, the British Isles, Scandinavia
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Life Cycle of Safflower skipper
Egg The safflower skipper begins life encased as an egg, often laid on a host plant. This stage is marked by relative immobility and vulnerability, as the primary function is protection and development of the larva inside.
Larva Upon hatching, the safflower skipper larva, or caterpillar, consumes plant material voraciously. This stage is characterized by rapid growth, frequent molting, and a body designed for eating and digesting plant matter.
Pupal The safflower skipper enters the pupal stage enveloped within a chrysalis. During this time, it is immobile and undergoes significant transformation, restructuring its body into the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult safflower skipper’s development is marked by the presence of wings and reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, with the adult focusing on reproduction and dispersal.
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Interesting Facts About Safflower skipper
Some safflower skipper individuals possess the ability to mimic fallen leaves, camouflaging from predators with remarkable leaf vein patterns on their underwings.
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Scientific Classification of Safflower skipper
Tips for Finding Safflower skipper
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Youth Habitat of Safflower skipper
Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Safflower skipper
Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands
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When is the Best Time to Observe Safflower skipper
The best time to find safflower skipper would likely be during warmer months when butterflies are most active, especially on sunny days as they are cold-blooded and depend on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Safflower skipper
Ideal weather conditions for locating safflower skipper would be on dry, sunny days. Safflower skipper is less likely to be active during rainy or cold weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Safflower skipper at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of safflower skipper are usually laid on the underside of leaves of the host plants. Identify these plants in the habitat and inspect the leaves carefully for small clusters or individual eggs.
Larva Caterpillars of safflower skipper can be found on or near their food plants. Look for signs of feeding, like chewed leaves, and carefully check the plant's stems and both sides of the leaves.
Pupal Safflower skipper chrysalises may be attached to the host plant or hidden in nearby debris on the ground. They can be spotted by looking for their distinctive shapes among leaves or on stems.
Adult Adult safflower skipper will be found feeding on nectar from flowers, basking in the sun, or looking for mates. Walk slowly through appropriate habitats, checking flowers and sunny spots.
Are Safflower skipper harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Safflower skipper
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Hurt Plant

Larvae of safflower skipper feed on host plants, causing a range of damage from mild to severe. Typically, leaves bear the brunt with visible holes and defoliation, potentially reducing photosynthesis and weakening the plant overall.

More Effects of Safflower skipper

Beneficial Effects of Safflower skipper
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Safflower skipper is an efficient pollinator often observed fluttering between flowers. It is attracted by the vivid colors and unique shapes of the blooms, indulging in the pollen for sustenance. While feeding, pollen grains adhere to its body, facilitating the cross-pollination of the various flowers it visits.
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