[ID] Skipper, please!

[Jason Green]

Hi all,

In the past I've only found Large Skippers, and in another location today I found one that by memory recollection, appears smaller. Is this the Small, Essex or another Skipper, please?

21/07/2009

Maybe Small or Essex?
I believe they share the same dark mid-line on the wing, with the Large having a more continuous one.

Thanks for looking!

Take care,

Jason

[butterflypyne]

I am new at this, so this may not be correct and I am now curios as well.

I think it is a small skipper. If it isn't I need to get better at using this butterfly spotter book.

[rich ard]

Hi Jason,

Without seeing the tips of the anntenae properly I could not be certain but based on what I can see of the underwing I think there is a good chance this is an Essex Skipper. Otherwise Small Skipper. Do you have any shots of the antennae?

The dark lines you refer to are the the 'scent' lines present in males, particularly obvious in the male large Skipper.. This individual lacks even a small one so she is female.

Originally Posted by Jason Green

I believe they share the same dark mid-line on the wing, with the Large having a more continuous one.[/center]

Thanks for looking!

Take care,

Jason

[Jason Green]

Sorry, I deleted the rest! I'll get back soon and try for an antennal shot.

Thanks both!

[aeshna5]

Looks like female Small Skipper to me Jason. Large is a totally different looking beast, even ignoring the size difference, being much more 2-tone in colour.

For me if this was an Essex, I think the jet black undersides to the antennae would just be visible.

[Jason Green]

Thanks Aeshna

[rich ard]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

For me if this was an Essex, I think the jet black undersides to the antennae would just be visible.

But, Aeshna, I think we are looking at the tip of the underside of the forewing here? Or have I lost my perspective?



Richard

[Adam Cheeseman]

tip of the underside of the antennae is the clincher. So I'd agree with Aeshna.

Cheers,

Adam

[Jason Green]

Thanks Richard and Adam

[rich ard]

Except that you can't see the underside of the nearest antenna in this picture Adam!

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

tip of the underside of the antennae is the clincher. So I'd agree with Aeshna.

Cheers,

Adam