Large Skipper

Habitat: Sunny, grassy areas along and within forests, usually with deciduous trees and shrubs (Brambles bushes). Most habitats are damp and often overgrown with ferns (European Bracken).

Appearance: Widespread and common in large parts of Europe. Absent from Ireland and the Mediterranean islands, except Sicily and Corfu. Common in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Flying time: One generation. June/August.

Characteristics: Wingspan 25-32 mm.

Life cycle: Host plants are from the grass family Poaceae, such as Cat grass (Dactylis glomerata), Tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum), Purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea), etc. The female lays the semi-spherical, white eggs one by one on the top of the grass leaves. The caterpillars make a shelter from grass blades spun together. In autumn, the caterpillars reach the third or fourth stage and then hibernate in this shelter. Pupation takes place in spring in a cocoon on the ground between the grass blades. The butterflies suck nectar from flowers such as thistles (Carduus), Brambles (Rubus), etc.