Hesperiidae: Pyrginae

1526 (ABH57.006) Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris, (Poda, 1761)

KR06924

Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Bevill's Wood
Bevill's Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Woodwalton Marsh, June 2011
Woodwalton Marsh, June 2011
 Photo © Peter Bissell


General Information

This species can be readily distinguished from the Essex Skipper as the undersides of the clubbed antenna are orange (the Essex Skipper's are black).

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.

Wingspan: 27-34mm
Foodplant(s): Timothy (Phleum pratense), Creeping Soft-grass (Holcus mollis), False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), grasses
Flying: One generation, late June-early August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Rough grassland, verges and sunny rides.

Regional Information

Recorded in 208 (77%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 07 February to 21 September

Similar Species
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola
Monks Wood (female)
Monks Wood (female)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus (=faunus)


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Green, white, yellow
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5