Not actually the smallest skipper in the UK! This butterfly is benefiting from the increasing temperatures of climate change, spreading further north and even getting just into Scotland.
Where to see
- Habitat: Open/rough ground, clearings. Uses tall grass to breed.
- Caterpillar foodplants: Yorkshire Fog grass and sometimes other grasses
- Best places: Widespread.
Distribution map
Small Skipper was recorded from these 1km squares in Dorset (2015-19).
- Key:
- 1 record
- 2-9 records
- 10+ records
When to see
Mid June to mid August
Sightings by month (last 5 years)*
This year and last*
What to look for
Of the Skippers in Dorset the Small and the Essex have the plainest wings, without yellow spots, and look the most orange. The male is much more active than the female and can be distinguished from the female by its slightly curved scent mark on the upper forewing.
The Small Skipper can be difficult to tell apart from the Essex Skipper, but if you can see the underside of the tip of the antennae, the Essex is black with a very definite edge; the Small can be brown, greyish or even patchy black. If you are looking at a male, the sex brand on the Small is at an angle to the leading edge of the forewing, while on the Essex it is parallel.
Compared to the male Lulworth Skipper, it is more golden in colour.
Photo gallery
Click thumbnails to view full-size images.