Essex Skipper

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