Small Skipper, Thymelicus sylvestris

Identification

Small: wingspan c 30mm

Both sexes are a uniform orange-brown on the upper surfaces of the forewings, which have a dusky outer margin and weakly darkened venation. The under wings are somewhat duller in colouration on their upper sides with a broad dark band along their leading margin. Both sets of wings are fringed white. There is a narrow oblique black scent line across the forewing in males. The under surfaces are a grey to yellow brown with obscure darker orange brown markings.

Behaviour and life history

Small Skippers characteristically hold their upper wings obliquely upwards and away from the under wings when at rest. It forms discrete colonies with periods of activity being alternated with extended periods of rest. This species tends to confine its activities within the immediate neighbourhood of its colonies and seldom wanders any distance away. Eggs are laid in late July and early August with the caterpillars emerging some two weeks later. Small Skippers overwinter as caterpillars in grass sheaths before emerging in the following spring, feeding and finally pupating in a silken tent amongst blades of grass in June. Adults emerge in late June or early July. The larval foodplant is almost exclusively Yorkshire Fog, Holcus lanatus.

Where to look for it

The Small Skipper if a butterfly of rough grassland, field margins, hedgerows, woodland margins, rides and glades. It is commonly found in all Plymouths Local Nature Reserves, particularly where there is rough grassland.

Distribution and status

Common and widespread throughout Plymouth wherever there is suitable habitat.

When to look for it

Late June to early August.

Similar species

The characteristic resting pose with the angled forewings make this species separable from all others except the Large Skipper, Ochlodes venata, which is rather larger and has a more patterned upper surfaces to the wings.

[Back to top]