Large Skipper - Ochlodes sylvanus

This is one of the largest of our 'golden' Skippers and, like these other Skippers, the male has a distinctive sex brand on its forewings containing specialised scent scales. Both males and females have a dark checker markings on the lower part of their wings.

This species is found in sheltered areas of grassland, where grasses grow tall. Typical sites include meadows, hedgerows, roadside verges, woodland rides and woodland clearings. It can also be found in urban areas, such as parks and churchyards.

The butterfly is on the wing in June and July, with some individuals being seen in August.

There is one generation each year and the species forms discrete colonies. The main larval foodplant is the grass Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata) but other grasses are used.

This species is widespread in England and Wales, becoming scarcer further North and in Southern Scotland.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.