Hesperiidae: Hesperiinae

06924 Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris, (Poda, 1761)

BF1526 (ABH57.006)

Arda Valley, Eastern Rhodopi Mtns., 22nd June 2005, male.
Arda Valley, Eastern Rhodopi Mtns., 22nd June 2005, male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Arda Valley, Eastern Rhodopi Mtns., 22nd June 2005, male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 2010-2016
 2017
 2018
 2019
Arda valley, Eastern Rhodopis, 5th June 2011. Male.
Arda valley, Eastern Rhodopis, 5th June 2011. Male.
 Photo © Roger Parker
Perperek, Eastern Rhodopi Mtns., 8th June 2011.
Perperek, Eastern Rhodopi Mtns., 8th June 2011.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Arda Valley, Eastern Rhodopi Mtns., 27th June 2012, female.
Arda Valley, Eastern Rhodopi Mtns., 27th June 2012, female.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


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: Least Concern

Habitat

Rough grassland, verges and sunny rides.

Regional Information

Recorded in 120 (6.3%) of the 1900 10km squares of Bulgaria.

Last recorded in June 2019

Recorded date range (Adult): 13 May to 01 August

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 15 July to 15 July

Recorded date range (Pupa): 13 July to 13 July

Similar Species
Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola
Bachkovo, Western Rhodopi Mtns., 11th June 2011, male
Bachkovo, Western Rhodopi Mtns., 11th June 2011, male
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus (=faunus)

Least Concern

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