Red Underwing vs Alpine Grizzled Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Red Underwing

A large moth with bark-like grey forewings and vivid red and black banded hindwings flashed as a startle defense.

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When disturbed from tree bark it flashes its bright red hindwings creating a startle effect then vanishes by closing them.

A small, dark skipper butterfly with white checkered markings. It flies low over alpine turf in quick, darting flights.

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Its rapid, erratic flight makes it one of the most difficult alpine butterflies to observe.