Carterocephalus palaemon

Chequered Skipper

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

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Valais, Switzerland, May 2012

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Ain, France, June 2014

Field notes and information

A distinctive skipper with yellow markings. It has a particularly long abdomen relative to the size of the wings giving it a rather primitive look.

Identification & Similar species: Can only be confused with the northern chequered skipper C. silvicolus. The male of that species has reduced, isolated brown spots on the forewing. The veins of the current species on the forewing are brown and cutting through the orange patches.

Distribution & Flight: This is a butterfly with a range across central Europe into Scandinavia and down to Greece with disconnected populations in the Pyrenees and northwest Scotland. Flies in a single brood in mid May/ June at lower levels and July at alpine and sub-alpine altitudes and higher latitudes.

Habitat & Behaviour: Light woodland, usually in damp meadows.

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Valais, Switzerland, June 2018

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Vaud, Switzerland, June 2020

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Valais, Switzerland, June 2019

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Valais, Switzerland, July 2021

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Valais, Switzerland, July 2021

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Valais, Switzerland, June 2019

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Grisons, Switzerland, July 2019

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Piedmont, Italy, July 2012

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Valais, Switzerland, June 2019

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Valais, Switzerland, June 2019

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Jura, France, May 2011

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Fribourg, Switzerland, June 2020

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Bern, Switzerland, July 2020

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Valais, Switzerland, July 2021