Species: Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola)
Family: Skippers (HESPERIIDAE)
Category: Butterflies & Moths
Location: SE
A. Butterflies & Moths
B. Skippers (HESPERIIDAE)
The skippers are physically our smallest butterflies and are predominantly shades of orange. Their name comes from their characteristic 'skipping' flight.
C. Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola)
The undersides of the tips of the antennae are glossy black, distinguishing it from the orange-brown antennae of the Small Skipper. Eggs are laid on Tor Grass, Cock's-foot or Creeping-Soft-grass, the first two of which are common in the cemetery. The caterpillar and chrysalis are green-striped with dark bands running down the front of its head (a characteristic absent in the Small Skipper), and the adults fly from mid-June to late-August.
Images
Essex Skipper
The undersides of the tips of the antennae are glossy black, distinguishing it from the orange-brown antennae of the Small Skipper.
Essex Skipper
The undersides of the tips of the antennae are glossy black, distinguishing it from the orange-brown antennae of the Small Skipper.
Essex Skipper
The undersides of the tips of the antennae are glossy black, distinguishing it from the orange-brown antennae of the Small Skipper.
Essex Skipper
The undersides of the tips of the antennae are glossy black, distinguishing it from the orange-brown antennae of the Small Skipper.
