Pyrgus key - upperside view

This is attempt at an identification key for Pyrgus species based on the upperside view.

There are generally less unique distinguishing features on the upperside than the underside

    but, taken in combination, should increase the chances of positive identification to near 100%.

A key based on the underside view is here.

note: location, flight period, altitude have not been included in the criteria.

note: the descriptions below only apply to the male of each species. Females are generally similar but more weakly marked.

note: these observations will hold true for about 90% of specimens, but natural variation will produce some that do not fit the "classical" template.

    for instance, the P. serratulae forewing is normally lightly marked, but in some regions specimens have marks significantly stronger than the norm.

note: a number of species have geographical variation and/or subspecies such as P. alveus accretus and P. bellieri picenus;

    further data needs to be collected before these can be included in an analysis of this type.

The two main upperside marks are circled above. For other marks, the wing diagram is here.

The terms "spot" and "mark" are used interchangeably as terms such as "cell spot" are in common usage.

The terms strong/medium/weak are used to describe the strength of the marks. These are relative terms, although strong means that the mark is

    clear and well contrasted against the background colour.

upf = upperside forewing: uph = upperside hindwing

Start here:

It is suggested that each step is taken in the order shown, to eliminate those species with a unique defining characteristic.

Size (small/medium/large) is given as an additional indicator, although size is relative and can vary; as a baseline, P. malvae (or malvoides) is small.