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Thymelicus sylvestris

Small Skipper

Field Notes

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Isère, France, July 2006
 

Middle Atlas, Morocco, June 2005

Male (sex brand on fw)
 

Middle Atlas, Morocco, June 2005

Female
 

Middle Atlas, Morocco, July 2005
 

Alpes Maritimes, France, August 2004
 

Hampshire, UK, August 2001

 

Amazingly this is the only photo I have of this rather widespread and often very common butterfly. It is absent from the north of the UK and Scandinavia. It is essentially identical to the Essex Skipper, T. lineola, which is equally widespread and common. The key difference is the colour of the underside of the antennal club. In sylvestris it is orange (like the rest of the butterfly!) and in lineola it is black. The difference is often difficult to see because the butterflies are sensitive to approaching lepidopterist. But the difference is easy enough from the right angle.

 

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