NATURE
Butterflies
Essex Skipper
Thymelicus lineolus
Wingspan 25mm
Very similar to small skipper but with underside to tips of antennae black not brown. Rather local but often overlooked, being passed by as the more common and widespread small skipper. Favours grassy meadows and restricted to SE England. Fond of visiting knapweed and thistle flowers. Buzzing, active flight. Flies mainly June-July. Caterpillar feeds on various grasses.



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