www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Last time I asked a silly question I hit the jackpot. However, this time, I would just lilke to know whether this is a small or an Essex. I took it near Portchester in Hampshire almost on the beach.
Many thanks, Henry

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IMO, male essex. Apart from the black tipped antennae the sex brand is quite different from small skipper, making males easier to differentiate than females.

You mention the "sex brand". What is it please.

Many thanks,
Henry

It's the thin dark line that runs along parallel to the outer edge of the forewing's leading edge. It contains scales that act as pheromones and many butterfly males have something similar. On small skipper males the line is longer, more pronounced and does not run parallel to the edge of the wing.