Small Skipper

National Status

A butterfly of south and south-east England, range expanding. Population trend 10 years to 2016 -66%; since 1976 -88%.

West Midlands Status

Found in all four counties with its stronghold in Worcestershire, range expanding. Population trend 10 years to 2016 – major increase.

In 2026 Small Skipper was recorded in 387 squares, which is 3.79% of all squares.

See chart of distribution

10 Year Trend Analysis

Habitat

Warm, grassy areas such as woodland rides, meadows and roadside verges.

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 Tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum) are also used