Thymelicus acteon
Scientific NameThymelicus acteon
FamilyHesperiidae
Wingspan (mm)24-28
HabitatGrasslands, chalk downland, and coastal cliffs, particularly on calcareous soils. Larvae feed on specific grasses such as Tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum) and False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum).
Conservation StatusVulnerable (UK)
Description
A small, orange-brown skipper butterfly characterized by its rapid, darting flight. Males possess a distinctive short, dark, oblique sex brand on their forewings. The underside of the hindwings is uniformly orange-brown, lacking prominent markings.
