Genus SYRICHTUS, Boisduval, 1834 
THE GRIZZLED SKIPPER 
Syrichtus tnalvae (Linn., 1758). 
(Plate XVII, facing page 196) 
This very active little butterfly has a remarkably rapid 
flight as it darts from one spot to another. Upon disturbance 
it darts with extraordinary speed from its resting-place, and 
after a short flight it circles round and again settles on some 
leaf or bare patch of ground, when it immediately turns 
round, with wings expanded, 
and sits with its back to the 
sun to get the full warmth 
of the rays. Towards sunset 
these little butterflies take up 
their resting positions for the 
night, selecting the flower- 
heads of Grasses, Plantain, 
and other herbage. They rest 
with their wings tightly closed 
over the back, the fore wings 
hidden between the hind pair, 
which in colouring and mark¬ 
ings so closely resemble the 
flower-heads they rest upon 
The cremastral process of the pupa 
of the Grizzled Skipper. 
that they are rendered very inconspicuous. During dull 
weather the butterflies likewise rest in the same way. Flowers 
do not seem attractive to this species. 
Haunts and Distribution. The haunts of this little insect 
are sheltered slopes and hill-sides, rough uncultivated ground, 
especially near woods, also the openings and rides in woods 
and forest land. It also frequents heaths, meadows and the 
fens of Cambridge ; therefore its resorts are very varied. 
Over England and Wales it is commonly distributed. In 
Scotland it is both rare and local, and in Ireland it only 
appears to occur at Killarney. The Scotch resorts are Lanark 
and Wigtown. Abroad its range extends all over Europe 
and part of northern Asia, and Cyprus. 
Time of Appearance. S. malvae is single brooded, appearing 
354 
