Essex Skipper
Thymelicus lineola
- Family
- Skippers
- Photos
- 5
Wingspan 22–27 mm. Flies from late June to late August in one generation A butterfly flies in 2 generations when the year’s first newly emerged adults (1st generation) bring a new “brood” (“children”) capable of flight into the world in the same year. With 3 generations there are “grandchildren” as well in the same year. The number of generations determines in how many months of the year we can see the butterfly.. Very common on flower-rich grassland and seen especially on the dike. Takes nectar from many of the dike's flowers. Flies fast but often rests in low vegetation, from where the males eagerly defend their territory. Overwinters as a tiny caterpillar in a grass leaf sheath.
