Lulworth Skipper
Common NameLulworth Skipper
Scientific NameThymelicus acteon
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)26
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, brown
HabitatChalk grasslands, coastal cliffs, downland, open grassy areas
Geographic RangeSouthern England, Western and Southern Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor
Host PlantsTor-grass, False Brome
Flight PeriodLate June to early September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae feed on grasses, overwintering as small larvae within a silk tent, and pupate in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished from similar skippers by its plainer appearance, the absence of a prominent sex brand on the male forewing, and the orange-tipped underside of its antennae (unlike the black tips of the Essex Skipper).
Description
A small, plain orange-brown skipper butterfly with a rapid, low, darting flight. The underside of the hindwings is a uniform yellowish-orange.
