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Skipper ID
Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 10:28 pm
by Lard
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.
Re: Skipper ID
Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 10:38 pm
by Pete Eeles
Hi Lard,
These are female Large Skippers, which lack the sex brand found on the forewings of the male.
Cheers,
- Pete
Re: Skipper ID
Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 9:05 am
by Lard
Excellent, thanks! I've never seen them with such white chequering on the forewings. Lovely.
Re: Skipper ID
Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 2:12 pm
by Piers
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"
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
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Re: Skipper ID
Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 8:24 am
by Lee Hurrell
Ah, Wagner, Dead Kennedys and Ministry - I'm impressed PV!
Hurrell
Re: Skipper ID
Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 8:30 pm
by Lard
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