Carcharodus alceae (Esper, 1780) commonly known as the “Mallow Skipper”
Family: Hesperiidae.
Wingspan: 28–32 mm.
Season: March to October, two broods a year, possibly three or four in the most southern countries.
A widespread and common species in central and southern Europe, one of the first skippers on the wing from early spring; and abundant throughout the summer months. Also widespread over most of Asia, Across North Africa and in the south of western Siberia.
Habitat: Diverse habitats: From flowery meadows, wooded areas to calcareous grasslands with sparse vegetation, hot dry stony land and alpine conditions up to 2000m.
Carcharodus alceae are always up for a skirmish, confronting other skippers and butterflies that are passing by.
The female lays her eggs mainly on the top of a wide range of mallow plant leaves, (thus giving this species its common name). The larvae mainly feed on low growing plants like the Malva varieties. Can also be found on Lavatera thuringiaca and Hibiscus species. The adults collect nectar from various herbaceous plans.
The fully-grown caterpillars hibernate and will then pupate in the following Spring.