Large Skipper
Ochlodes sylvanus
National Status
National Status: Largely confined to England and Wales, range expanding. Population trend 10 years to 2016 +23%; since 1976 -17%.
West Midlands Status
Throughout the region but less common in Herefordshire and Shropshire, range stable. Population trend 10 years – increasing.
In 2026 Large Skipper was recorded in 356 squares, which is 3.49% of all squares.
10 Year Trend Analysis
Habitat
Rough grassland including woodland rides, roadside verges, hedgerows and meadows.
Caterpillar Food Plant
The main foodplant is Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata). False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) Tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum) and Wood Small-reed (Calamagrostis epigejoss)
Life Cycle
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Egg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Larva | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pupa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adult | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Flight Period
Late May to mid-August with peak numbers usually in late June/early July.
First/Last Sightings 2026
| First Sighting | Recorded by | Last Sighting | Recorded by |
| 2 May | Tilt, John | 6 September | Tilt, John |
Distribution Map
Key
Total number of sightings per tetrad
Hotspots
Almost any uncut grassy area.