Large Skipper

Scientific Name - Ochlodes sylvanus

Flight Period - May to August

Overwinters as - Larva

Habitat - Grassland, woodland rides

Larval foodplants - Cock’s-foot, Wood Small-reed, False Brome etc.

Conservation status - Low priority

Northamptonshire distribution - Widespread

Best public sites to see them - Anywhere with suitable habitat

The Large Skipper can be a very common butterfly during it’s flight time and is a regular sight in the grasslands and woodlands of the county. They can sometimes be confused with one of the other two golden Skippers but they can be easily told apart by the mixture of light and dark markings on their upper and underwings, and also their large, dark clubbed antennae. They are often recorded in large numbers during their peak season. The larvae construct a remarkable feeding tube in which it shelters in between feeding (photo below). Large Skippers are widespread in Northamptonshire and can be encountered anywhere with suitable habitat. For more information about how to identify Large, Small and Essex Skippers click here.

Large Skipper Distribution 2018 - 2022

Large Skipper underwing

Large Skipper upperwing

Large Skipper larva

Large Skipper with distinctive pattern showing through wings