Silver Spotted Skipper in North Shropshire

[Chris Speke]

Today I was reviewing photos taken over the last few weeks and came upon this of what is clearly a Silver Spotted Skipper. It was taken near Oswestry in Shropshire whilst I was checking out Silver Washed Fritillary activity on the 9th of July. At the time, I did not pay it much attention thinking it was a Large or Small Skipper. What is this species doing here so far from its regular haunts ?

[selbypaul]

Looks like a Large Skipper to me I'm afraid. Sorry to disappoint

[David M]

Me too.

In any case, other than a clandestine release, this species doesn't have the required habitat to survive that far north.