Photo © Pete Eeles

Small Skipper

Thymelicus sylvestris

Checklist Number
57.006 [B&F: 1526]

Verification
Record will normally be accepted but photo evidence may be required - check with CMR if not sure of identity

Classification

Family:Hesperiidae
Subfamily:Hesperiinae
Genus:Thymelicus
Species:sylvestris
Authority:(Poda, 1761)

Common in rough grassland, downland, woodland clearings and roadside verges; 0-400 m (0-1900 m in Europe) throughout much of southern England, with records north to Yorkshire, Wales; mainland Europe. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight common in suitable habitat. Wingspan 27-30 mm. Similar to Essex Skipper, but underside of the tips of the antennae are pale. Larva feeds on Yorkshire-fog, Timothy and False-brome.