Regional Species


Dingy Skipper
Erynnis tages

Photograph by Janet Graham (Harlech Forest)

Regional Species

This has become an uncommon butterfly in North Wales, with most remaining populations occurring on the Carboniferous Limestone and in a few locations on Anglesey. There is also an isolated colony in Harlech Forest. All sightings are of interest and should be reported.

The habitat requirements are for infertile land with sparse vegetation, specifically including the principal larval foodplant, Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus). Areas of bare ground are desirable as is an element of taller vegetation such as scrub. It is important that any grazing should be very light because the female butterfly selects the tallest, most prominent shoots on which to lay her eggs. Tightly cropped Lotus is, therefore, unsuitable. It is interesting that the Common Blue, which shares the same foodplant, is able to survive heavier grazing pressure because that species does not have the same requirement for tall shoots. This difference between the two species has been very evident at Morfa Harlech in recent years. Farming activities have increased dramatically on the National Nature Reserve and adjoining SSSI and the Dingy Skipper, which used to be abundant, appears to have been lost from the dunes whereas the Common Blue continues to thrive. In the adjacent pine plantation, where the only grazing is by rabbits, conditions are still suitable and the Dingy Skipper survives.

This butterfly is rather aptly named and could easily be confused with several day flying moths, such as Mother Shipton, Burnet Companion and Common Heath, all of which occur in the same habitat at the same time of year.