Essex Skipper
Common NameEssex Skipper
Scientific NameThymelicus lineola
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange-brown, dark brown, black
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, verges, open woodland, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeNative to Europe and parts of Asia; introduced and widespread in eastern North America.
Host PlantsTimothy (Phleum pratense), Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), various coarse grasses
Flight PeriodLate June to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades in late summer and overwinter. Larvae hatch in spring, feed on grasses, and pupate in a loose cocoon near the ground, with adults emerging in summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished from similar skippers by the entirely black tip of its antennae (club). The underside of the hindwing is plain, lacking the central streak often seen in the Small Skipper.
Description
A small, orange-brown skipper butterfly with dark brown margins and veins on its wings. The underside of the hindwing is a uniform dull orange-brown.
