ORBED RED UNDERWING SKIPPER
The orbed red underwing butterfly (or Hungarian skipper, as it is also called), is named for the circular white markings on the red or olive underside of the wings. The upper wings are dark brown in colour with scattered white spots. There are also white spots along the edges of both upper wings. Both sexes are similar in appearance. This butterfly lives in Southern Eastern Europe, whereas the red underwing skippers are found in Western Europe and have white splodges rather than round markings on the undersides of the wings.
The habitats of this species consist of grassy slopes in the mountains, roadside verges, scrubby grassland and dried-up river beds. They love a very hot climate, and both sexes can often be seen basking on hot rocks. In flight, the orbed red underwing keeps low and flies very fast, so for photographers, it is best to wait until they settle. 2 generations are usually produced, between April and August. The larvae feed on raspberry leaves, and great and garden burnet.
