We found this skipper yesterday in the Brockadale Nature Reserve in South Yorkshire (Magnesian Limestone grassland). It is clearly an aged specimen so late in the year, and the flight period graphs on your site would suggest that Small Skipper is virtually never seen so late, whilst Essex can be. The tips of the antennae are certainly dark, but I am in 2 minds as to whether they are faded orange/brown, or faded glossy black! The upper surface is similarly inconclusive.
We have never seen Essex Skipper at Brockadale before, but have been watching out for it as it is moving north. I have found it less than 20 miles away at Lindholme on Hatfield Moor and at Tickhill (south of Doncaster) this year, in both cases extending the known range slightly further west and north than previous records.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
Paul Simmons
Is this an Essex Skipper?
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Re: Is this an Essex Skipper?
Sorry, only one of the 4 photos got through - here are the rest.
Paul
Paul
Re: Is this an Essex Skipper?
Hi Paul,
It looks like a male Essex Skipper to me. Is there a male sex brand present? If so, it is straight and parallel to the edge of the wing which is also positive for Essex. I stand corrected of course
Well done
ATB
Peter
It looks like a male Essex Skipper to me. Is there a male sex brand present? If so, it is straight and parallel to the edge of the wing which is also positive for Essex. I stand corrected of course
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Well done
ATB
Peter
My website: https://www.stevenage-butterflies.co.uk
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Re: Is this an Essex Skipper?
Thanks Peter - looking at the forewing there does seem to be a sex brand, which is indeed straight and parallel to the wing edge. So it does seem to be an Essex. We will have to look for a colony next year.
Paul
Paul
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Re: Is this an Essex Skipper?
Hi
It is a Essex Skipper, without any doubt, look at the antennal tip, it is black underneath![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
It is a Essex Skipper, without any doubt, look at the antennal tip, it is black underneath
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
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Re: Is this an Essex Skipper?
Hi John
The problem is that the antennae tips are dark underneath, but not glossy black as they are in fresh specimens. I am happy though if you think on balance it is an Essex.
Paul
The problem is that the antennae tips are dark underneath, but not glossy black as they are in fresh specimens. I am happy though if you think on balance it is an Essex.
Paul
- Pete Eeles
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Re: Is this an Essex Skipper?
Definitely a male Essex Skipper. Aside from the antennae, the sex brand (as described by peterc) is diagnostic and conclusive.
Cheers,
- Pete
Cheers,
- Pete
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Re: Is this an Essex Skipper?
Thanks Pete - it means quite a big jump in the known range this year - 20 miles anyway.
Paul
Paul