Hi. I saw several skippers today that looked considerably darker - with more highly contrasting 'spots' - than the Larges that were also present. I got a couple of shots, but this was by no means the most distinct specimen. Was I looking at Silver-Spotted Skippers, or just strange Larges? I've not seen Larges this strong before.
Photos attached, including a blurry one showing more underwing. Thanks.
Skipper ID
- Pete Eeles
- Administrator & Stock Contributor
- Posts: 6808
- Joined: Tue Jan 17, 2006 6:10 pm
- Location: Thatcham, Berkshire
- Contact:
Re: Skipper ID
Hi Lard,
These are female Large Skippers, which lack the sex brand found on the forewings of the male.
Cheers,
- Pete
These are female Large Skippers, which lack the sex brand found on the forewings of the male.
Cheers,
- Pete
Life Cycles of British & Irish Butterflies: http://www.butterflylifecycles.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
Re: Skipper ID
Excellent, thanks! I've never seen them with such white chequering on the forewings. Lovely.
Re: Skipper ID
Hi Lard,
This happens as the females age (your specimen has been out a while) and colours fade and scales are lost.
Piers.
Ps. 'Lard' - is this a Jello Biafra / Al Jourgensen reference? (if those names mean nothing to you then "no"
)
This happens as the females age (your specimen has been out a while) and colours fade and scales are lost.
Piers.
Ps. 'Lard' - is this a Jello Biafra / Al Jourgensen reference? (if those names mean nothing to you then "no"
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
- Lee Hurrell
- Stock Contributor
- Posts: 2423
- Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 7:33 pm
- Location: Hampshire
Re: Skipper ID
Ah, Wagner, Dead Kennedys and Ministry - I'm impressed PV!
Hurrell
Hurrell
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
Re: Skipper ID
It wasn't a Jello Biafra reference, I'm afraid. It just happens to be one of my favourite foods (after salt and rocket). Thanks for your description - that does make sense, since the Larges at the site (Hardwick Wood in Cambridgeshire) have now been joined by a fresh batch of Smalls and the difference in strength of colour is quite noticeable. Saw my first Purple Hairstreaks there too. Couldn't find the White Letter Hairstreaks, though - or the elms. Must have been looking in the wrong place.
Matt
Matt