Lulworth Skipper
(Thymelicus acteon)
The butterfly is named after Lulworth Cove in Dorset where it was discovered in 1832. It has never been recorded in any numbers out of the coastal area between Swanage and Bridport. However where this small butterfly does occur it can be very numerous. An entomologist who studied Lulworth Skippers in the Purbeck Hills before the first World War wrote of them 'swarming up the precipitous slopes of Corfe Castle'.
The Lulworth Skipper prefers warm, south-facing slopes on the coastal cliffs. The caterpillar feeds on two species of grass; Chalk false brome and couch grass. Some of the Lulworth Cove area is owned by the Ministry of Defence, so the butterfly is probably prospering better than if its breeding grounds were crowded with holiday-makers in Summer.
The Lulworth Skipper is a little dull to look at and could be confused with the Small Skipper. It rests in the typical Skipper attitude, and is fond of wild flowers such as restharrow, Cow Parsley, Ragwort, Marjoram and Thistles. Like other Skippers, it is a powerful flyer. There is one generation a year; between July and August with each butterfly living for about three weeks.
Ovum (Egg):
Larva (Caterpillar):
Pupa (Chrysalis):
Taken on August 15, 2011
Taken at Durlston Country Park, Dorset, on July 14th 2012
Taken on August 15, 2011 (Dorset)
Taken on August 14, 2011 (Dorset)
Taken at Durlston Country Park, Dorset on 14th July 2012
Imago (Adult):
© John Chapple
© John Chapple
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