Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus

Male. (The dark line in the centre of the forewing distinguishes the sexes)
Male. (The dark line in the centre of the forewing distinguishes the sexes)
Female.
Female.
Egg. Almost featureless and only slightly non-spherical.
Egg. Almost featureless and only slightly non-spherical.
The two-tone pattern distinguishes Large Skipper from Small Skipper and Essex Skipper
The two-tone pattern distinguishes Large Skipper from Small Skipper and Essex Skipper
Large Skipper has a small sharp hook on the antenna tip when seen from the right angle
Large Skipper has a small sharp hook on the antenna tip when seen from the right angle
Small and Essex Skipper antennae don't have a sharp hook and only bend outwards a little near the tip
Small and Essex Skipper antennae don't have a sharp hook and only bend outwards a little near the tip
 
Information

Red List status: Least Concern
NERC Act S41: Not listed
Local status: Locally common, though may be in decline.
Found in colonies all over county in suitable habitat
Size: Small.
Larval foodplant: Cock's-foot preferred, but other grasses used too.
No. of broods: One
Flight time(s): Early June to mid August
Average first date: 31st May
Average last date: 19th August
Winter: Larva hibernates in tube of leaves sown together. (Winter cutting of grasses can thus be detrimental).
Habits: Males perch or patrol for females.
Females are more secretive.
Both sexes feed on wide range of nectar sources.
Perches with forewings half-closed.
Flies as a high-speed orange blur.
Habitats: Unimproved grassland,
woodland rides,
brown-field sites,
road verges,
field margins
Distribution: