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Large Skipper

Ochlodes sylvanus

1 photo

1 photographer

·Uncommon · 10 pts

Golden with chequered forewing; perches with wings half-open.

1 community photo of Large Skipper on Things With Wings. Top-rated shots often use around 1/400ss shutter, 300mm.

Species Profile

Amber List; populations have declined due to loss of rough grassland habitat.

Lifespan: 2–3 weeks as an adult butterfly
Size & Weight: Wingspan 32–38 mm
Habitat: Sunny grassland margins, woodland edges, and rough ground with tall grass, particularly in southern and central Britain.
UK Distribution: Found throughout southern England and Wales, becoming scarcer northwards; resident with a single annual generation, present June to August.
Diet: Adults feed on nectar from flowers such as marjoram, bird's-foot trefoil, and bramble.
Predators: Small birds, spiders, and parasitic wasps; vulnerable to ground predators during the larval stage.
Mating Season: June to August
Breeding: Females lay eggs singly on host plants (mainly cocksfoot grass and other coarse grasses). Single generation per year; larvae overwinter and pupate in spring.
Behaviour: Males are highly territorial and perch on low vegetation in sunny spots, darting out to intercept passing females or rival males. The species is relatively weak-flying compared to other skippers. Adults spend much of their time resting on grass stems with wings folded.

Did You Know?

•The Large Skipper is the largest of the UK's three common skipper species.
•Males have distinctive black scent marks (brands) on their forewings, used during courtship.
•The caterpillar lives inside a rolled grass leaf, creating a protective shelter.
•Unlike many butterflies, females lay eggs in late afternoon or evening.
•The species is particularly associated with rough, unmanaged grassland and has benefited from conservation grazing in some areas.

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Shutter

1/400ss

ISO Range

400

Aperture

f/f/5.6

Focal Length

300mm

🦋 Large Skipper

Butterfly