SALTWELLS local nature reserve

Large Skipper

 

This 'golden' skipper is widespread throughout much of England and Wales where it is common on rough grassland.

 

Although it is somewhat larger than both the small skipper and essex skipper, size is not the easiest form of identification. The more definitive way is to look for the faint chequered pattern on both sides of the wings. The male can be readily distinguished from the female by the prominent dark line (sex brand) on the forewing.

 

Wingspan: male 29-34mm and female 31-36mm

On the wing: late May to late August

Foodplant: various grasses but normally cock's-foot

 

2015 - earliest sighting 18 June