Regional Species


Small Skipper
Thymelicus sylvestris

Photograph by Janet Graham

Regional Species

This butterfly has become increasingly common in North Wales although it is still regarded as rare in the northwest, especially on Anglesey. Elsewhere, population densities can be high in suitable areas of unmanaged flowery grassland. Typical sites are un-mown roadside verges, forest rides, wasteland, etc.

Eggs are laid in small batches in the leaf sheaths of Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus) and occasionally other grasses. After hatching, the larvae consume their egg shells and proceed to construct a cocoon in which they then hibernate, without moving from their sheltered position in the leaf sheaf. Unfortunately, this is a disastrous strategy in most situations because the grasses are so often either mown or eaten. It is for this reason that the butterfly breeds successfully in so few areas.

The Small Skipper is easily confused with the Large Skipper but does tend to look browner in comparison. Although the flight periods overlap the Small Skipper appears a little later in the year and can be seen, exceptionally, as late as the end of September. In general, the Small Skipper is found in drier grassland than the Large Skipper but again there is a considerable overlap and both species are often seen together.