The Cinquefoil Skipper (Pyrgus cirsii) is a species of skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae).
This species has a wingspan of 26–28 mm and, typically of its genus, can be very difficult to identify in the field.
Pyrgus cirsii is a medium-sized skipper. There is basically a possibility of confusion with other species of the genus Pyrgus, in particular with Pyrgus armoricanus. Characteristic of Pyrgus cirsii is a large square discoidal spot on the upper side of the forewing and almost always a second point-like mark over the basal spot on the upper side of the forewing. The hind wing underside is often ocher to reddish brown and stands out from other species of the genus. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the Carline Skipper (P. carlinae) as the two are known to interbreed where their ranges overlap in the Alps but can usually be recognised by the prominent squarish, rather than c-shaped, white spot near the costa of the forewing and the usually deeper red-brown underwings. A reliable separation in this genus, which is difficult to determine according to external characteristics, is possible through genital examination.
Pyrgus cirsii is widespread from Spain to Central Europe. According to current knowledge, there is also evidence from the Caucasus and Eastern Anatolia, as there are several isolated populations in north-eastern Turkey and in Armenia.
The current habitats of Pyrgus cirsii are sparsely overgrown, with open ground interspersed, full sun dry grasslands in stony, shallow and base-rich locations. Almost without exception, the current habitats are subject to regular and relatively intensive grazing, and they are also characterized by large pads of Potentilla verna agg. In the past, extremely sparse pine stands were also populated in Bavaria. In addition to these qualitative characteristics, the overall size of the habitat obviously plays an important role. E. g. all Bavarian occurrences are or were in areas with large, contiguous grassland complexes. A minimum size of the living space with corresponding open ground structures or the very close connection of these dry turf areas is obviously essential.
