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Large Chequered Skipper Favourite photos of 2022

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2023 7:43 pm
by Devon Dave
Finding and photographing this stunning Butterfly on Jersey last Summer was not just my Favourite photo of 2022 but without doubt my most favourite Butterfly sighting of a life time. Please do not ask me for the location, I was sworn to secrecy and gave my word not to disclose it.
I will not answer any posts relating to its location on the Island as the numbers there are still low, and the habitat is very fragile. But please enjoy the photos and be content in the dream they may venture further in years to come with Global warming to our own shores.

Re: Large Chequered Skipper Favourite photos of 2022

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2023 8:16 pm
by Padfield
Fantastic, Dave! What a brilliant butterfly this is, and what a fantastic memory to have! I hope you got a chance to see its bouncing flight - like a puppet on a string. There's nothing like a large chequered skipper.

Guy

Re: Large Chequered Skipper Favourite photos of 2022

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2023 8:25 pm
by Devon Dave
Thank you Guy, yes in flight it reminded me of a bouncing Domino, it was a day I will never forget,
Dave.

Re: Large Chequered Skipper Favourite photos of 2022

Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2023 12:55 pm
by Tony Moore
From an early age, having seen a photograph of the stunning underside, LCS was on top of my want to see list. I finally made it in Bulgaria a few year back. As Guy says, the 'bouncing' flight is unique and a delight to watch.

Tony M.

Re: Large Chequered Skipper Favourite photos of 2022

Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2023 2:38 pm
by Roger Gibbons
I have described as the only butterfly species designed by Barnes Wallace.

Roger

Re: Large Chequered Skipper Favourite photos of 2022

Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2023 3:38 pm
by David M
Nice job, Dave. Let's hope it's back there for the foreseeable.

Still haven't managed to ever see this species, even though it's hardly a mega-rarity. That 'Barnes Wallace' designed flight must be quite a sight to behold! :D

Re: Large Chequered Skipper Favourite photos of 2022

Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2023 9:02 pm
by bugboy
It really is a spectacular looking beasty. That one on the original post looks like its still drying its wings! I've only seen it the once, nearly 20 years ago now in Slovenia in 2004. I was probably really chuffed with the picture when I took it :oops: . I do remember getting a couple of shots off before it darted off, never to be seen again but I don't recall the flight pattern, it probably vanished when I was lining up a shot.
Scan from a slide.
Scan from a slide.

Re: Large Chequered Skipper Favourite photos of 2022

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:21 am
by downland boy
I first happened upon this lovely little butterfly in 2013 when holidaying in France. It was the characteristic flight that drew my attention to it. They were very active in the hot sunshine but I returned during the early evening when they were a little more settled.



http://eastsussexwanderer.blogspot.co.uk

Re: Large Chequered Skipper Favourite photos of 2022

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:30 am
by David M
They really do have remarkably beautiful undersides. It's almost unnatural.

Re: Large Chequered Skipper Favourite photos of 2022

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:52 am
by Padfield
Buggy: yours is a very interesting variation! I've never seen one like it. I can't find any reference to it in the books either, except a note in Leraut that sometimes the spots on the hindwing underside are smaller. In your case, the white spots are smaller but the black surrounds are large and broad.

Guy

Re: Large Chequered Skipper Favourite photos of 2022

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2023 6:25 pm
by bugboy
Padfield wrote: Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:52 am Buggy: yours is a very interesting variation! I've never seen one like it. I can't find any reference to it in the books either, except a note in Leraut that sometimes the spots on the hindwing underside are smaller. In your case, the white spots are smaller but the black surrounds are large and broad.

Guy
Here's the only other shot I got of it Guy, closer but more blurry
IMG_2336.JPG