A female Large Skipper basking. © Steven Cheshire 2022.
Male Large Skippers are usually found perching in a prominent position in full sunshine on a large leaf awaiting females to pass by. The male is easily identified due to the dark diagonal line (sex brand) on each of the forewings. Females lack this line but generally show a clear chequered pattern on their wings.
This butterfly is most commonly found in grassy areas where the larval foodplants grow and remain tall and uncut. A wide variety of habitats are used including disused railway lines, roadside verges, clearings and urban sites such as churchyards, parks and gardens.
The larvae of the Large Skipper feed on Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) and False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum).
See maps below. Distribution text required.
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