National Status

The most widely distributed of the skippers, found locally throughout the UK, range contracting. Population trend 10 years +69%; since 1976 -19%.

West Midlands Status

Scattered populations in the four counties, range contracting. Population trend: 10 years – decreasing after good years in 2011 and 2012.

Habitat

Close-grazed grassy areas, brownfield sites, quarries and well-managed woodland rides.

Flight Period

Late April to late June

Hotspots

Wyre Forest and Penny Hill Bank in Worcestershire, Oswestry Hills in Shropshire, Stoke-on-Trent area and Cannock Chase in Staffordshire and brownfield sites in the Black Country. Sites: Llanymynech Rocks; Lea Quarry; Baggeridge Country Park.

Caterpillar Food Plant

The main foodplant is Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus). Greater Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus) and Horseshoe Vetch (Hippocrepis comosa) are also used.