Species account

Gråbåndet Bredpande (Erynnis tages)    
   Bredpander (Hesperiidae)    DISK    24904
Dingy Skipper (gb)   Cervantes (es)   Skogsvisslare (se)      Synonyms: Skogssmygare (es)
Measurements:
WS:24-28mm
Generations:
1
Flight period:
JFMAMJJASOND 
SE
Identification:
In Denmark, Brownish look makes it appear similar to daytime-flying moths like Burnet Companion Moth (Euclidia glyphica) [Brun Kløverugle ~ Gulbrokigt Slåtterfly].

Hind wings mainly dark brownish and the the forewings show two broad irregular red-brown bands surrounding a silvery band running horizontally across the wing. On both upperside and underside both wings show a row of fine white spots running along the submargin.
Similar species:
Life stages:
Distribution:
Europe toward Amur.
Habitat:
Dry, sandy and meager fields with a rich flora. In Denmark mainly along the coasts but in other places, and before, it can also be found in forest clearings with sandy soil.
Behavior:
Quick flight near the ground. Aggressive toward other intruding insects. Rests with spread out wings covering the body, like moths do.
Rarely visits flowers.
Status:
Scarce in Denmark having declined vastly during the last century. Still present at Melby Overdrev on Sjælland (likely extinct in 2025), otherwise the sandy areas of NE Jylland (Skagen) and southern Djursland are the remaining strongholds.
Host plants:
Almindelig Kællingetand (Lotus corniculatus) [Bird's-foot Trefoil ~ Loto Corniculado ~ Käringtand]
Comment:
Dingy Skipper 1442    (2 photos)
2023-05-26    Melby Overdrev, Denmark

Imago
A lifer, finally. But on a windy day, it was not easy to work with it. Elin saw another, and the other day 4 in all which is many for the spot these days.