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Small Skipper, Thymelicus sylvestris
Petley Wood, Photo: Mike Mullis
Recorded sightings in 2009: 1216
Recorded sightings in 2010: 831
Status in Rother: Widespread and common in Rother, sometimes very common on rough, uncultivated grassland.
Habitat: Small Skipper colonies are found where grasses are allowed to grow tall. Typical habitats are unimproved rough grassland, verges, sunny rides, and woodland clearings. Colonies can occur on small patches of suitable habitat such as roadside verges and field margins. The Small Skipper uses the grass Yorkshire-fog, although several other grasses have been recorded as foodplants.
ID Tips: Check rough, uncultivated grassland for this small, fast and low flying orange butterfly.
First sighting in Rother (2009): 24 May
Recorded by: Maz & Matt Hopwood
First sighting in Rother (2010): 2 June
Recorded by: Steve Wheatley
UK Distribution trend: 4%
Ten year UK Population trend (1995-2004): n.a.
Long term UK population trend: n.a.