LEPIDOPTERA (Butterflies & Moths) > PAPILIONOIDEA (Butterflies) > Hesperiidae

Skippers are often described as 'moth-like' butterflies due to their general appearance, which perhaps explains why early classification systems placed them within a separated superfamily that was more closely related to burnet moths than traditional butterflies. Today, the Hesperiidae is one of six families that make up the Papilionoidea.

Eight species occur in Britain - three are classified as 'spreadwings' within the Pyrginae subfamily, the other five being Hesperiinae grass skippers.

The rarest is the endangered Chequered Skipper [Carterocephalus palaemon], a 'spreadwing' species that, apart from a reintroduction programme in Northamptonshire, is only found in a relatively small area of north-west Scotland. The other 'spreadwings' are the vulnerable Dingy Skipper [Erynnis tages] and the scarce Grizzled Skipper [Pyrgus malvae], both of which occur locally within my home patch.

The Small Skipper [Thymelicus sylvestris] and the Large Skipper [Ochlodes sylvanus] are common and abundant grassland species that can be found across much of the country. The Essex Skipper [Thymelicus lineola], which was previously considered a south-east species is now extending its range, and is the fifth species on my current list. It is virtually identical in appearance to the Small Skipper only distinguished by the characteristic glossy-black tips to the underside of the antennae. It also has more pointed wings and, in the case of the male, the scent mark or sex-brand on the forewings tends to be shorter, straighter and finer than that of the Small Skipper. The Large Skipper is best recognised by the golden, albeit sometimes feint mottled pattern on the wings rather than its size, coupled with the presence of small hooks on the end of its antennae. The sexes can also be easily separated as the male has a prominent dark scent-mark.

And finally, the two species I've yet to see are the rare Lulworth Skipper [Thymelicus acteon] that is only found in a small coastal area of Dorset and, from my point of view, the even more difficult Silver-spotted Skipper [Hesperia comma] that is only currently known from one particular site. I'm hopeful though that at some point in the future I'll be able to feature both of these species, which I would certainly need to do if I'm going to complete my target list.