Great British Lepidoptera

Large Skipper

(Ochlodes sylvanus)

The largest of the British Skippers is found throughout England, often in the company of Small and Essex Skippers. Large Skippers are most likely to be seen from early June to Mid-July in grassy areas such as meadows, hillsides, paths and clearings in woods and along coastal cliffs. The caterpillar's two foodplants; cock's-foot and false brome grass, are widespread in Britain. The butterflies feed on flowers, but spend most of their time establishing territories, finding mates and basking in the sun to absorb its radiant energy.

They rest with their wings in the typical Skipper manner and fidget about as if alligning themselves to the sun's rays. They have favourite perch places on plants, from which they sally out to engage rival butterflies that trespass on their territories. It is a common sight to see five or six skippers in hot pursuit of each other as if in a game of tag. The Large Skipper produces one generation a year, and each butterfly lives for about three weeks.

The caterpillar lives for about 11 months, hibernating through the winter, and has one unusual feature- an 18-toothed comb at the end of its abdomen which flicks its droppings well away from the area where it is feeding.