Essex Skipper
Thymelicus lineola
National Status
A butterfly of south and south-east England, range expanding. Population trend 10 years -66%; since 1976 -88%.
West Midlands Status
Found in all four counties with its stronghold in Worcestershire, range expanding.
Habitat
Warm, grassy areas such as woodland rides, meadows and roadside verges.
Flight Period
Early July to August.
Hotspots
Any area of open dry grassland.
Caterpillar Food Plant
The primary larval foodplant is Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata). Common Couch (Elytrigia repens), Creeping Soft-grass (Holcus mollis), False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), Timothy (Phleum pratense) and To
Life Cycle
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Distribution Map
