Late "small" Skipper

[njs5870]

I saw a "small" Skipper today in Staffs. I've seen all three sp on the site previously. Unfortunately it was a bit flighty and I didn't manage a photo of it. I'm leaning towards Essex on date. Would I be safe in this assumption?

[Pete Eeles]

Hi - most people don't feel confident, even with a photo - so I think that basing an id on a date is pushing it a bit

However, you are correct in that the Essex Skipper emerges later than Small.

Cheers,

- Pete

[bugboy]

I was still seeing Small Skippers down here in the south just over 2 weeks ago so I certainly wouldn't rule out a Small up there based on date alone!

[njs5870]

Thanks. Sounds like it could well have been a late small then.

[badgerbob]

Butterflysaurus Rex and myself saw a Small Skipper today.

[bugboy]

Thanks. Sounds like it could well have been a late small then.

For my personal photo collection I have a seperate file 'SmEssex Skipper' for any that I can't ID. If you are recording sightings for conservation groups such as Butterfly Conservation it's always best to er on the side of caution and list the sighting as Small/Essex Skipper.