Although not the most widespread or abundant of the Thymelicus genus, the Lulworth Skipper is still a fairly common species throughout southern central Europe, particularly in warm areas. Despite this I have only come across it on a small number of occasions; in southern Spain and once in western Turkey. It is the smallest of the ‘golden skippers’ and has a light dusting of lighter scales on the upperside forewings which is the best feature for identification.

Distribution: Locally common across southern and central Europe, from Portugal to Greece. It occurs as far north as S England in the west and central Poland in the east. Absent from high mountainous areas like the Alps as well as the Balearic islands, Sardinia and Corsica.

Flight Period: Late April-early August in 1 brood, peaking in June and July.

Habitat: Warm grassy areas, such as chalk grasslands, dry meadows, open woodland and maquis.

Foodplants; Grasses, such as bromes (Brachypodium) and Common Couch (Elymus repens).

Nectar Sources: Various flowers such as brambles (Rubus), knapweeds (Centaurea), scabiouses (Knautia) and ragworts (Jacobaea vulgaris).

<Prev
Next>