Large Skippers

[RobinP]

Can someone tell me, how do you tell a male Large Skip from a female?

(I appreciate number 3 might be difficult)







Thanks for the help.

[aeshna5]

The first 2 photos clearly show a male due to the black sex brand (blackish streak, where scales emit pheromones) on the upper fore-wing.

[Johnny Redgate]

Aeshna is spot on and that is the most readily visible distinguishing feature. Females will be fatter bodied and males will also have what looks like a tuft of hairs at the end of the abdomen as you can see in the first picture. I'd say your pictures are all males.

[Johnny Redgate]

Sorry, what I meant was deeper bodied. On the 3rd picture you would see a deeper abdomen with a curved underside in profile and no rear tuft.