Silver-spotted Skipper
Hesperia commaThe Silver-spotted Skipper is a small, fast-flying butterfly found only on chalk downlands in southern England. Their orangey-brown wings are marked with distinctive silver-white spots on the underside which give them their name. They are highly selective, only flying when temperatures reach around 20°C. Their caterpillars rely solely on Sheep’s-fescue grass for food and live in tiny shelters made from the same grass.
The goldilocks of our skies
This small, rapid-flying butterfly with orangey-brown wings dashes across chalk downlands in southern England – the only place it can be found in the UK. What sets it apart from other skippers is the bright, silver-white spots on its underwings.
Silver-spotted Skipper is somewhat of a goldilocks species. Their minimum temperature of 20°C is much higher than is typical for UK butterflies. And their pickiness starts young – their caterpillars will only eat one variety of grass, called Sheep’s-fescue. Indeed, they love their food so much they want to live in it – newly hatched caterpillars live in tubes they create from blades of the grass.
The Silver-spotted Skipper can be tricky to see, either landed as it blends seamlessly against the vegetation, or in flight as it zips about enjoying the sunshine.
The Silver-spotted Skipper has declined rapidly over the last 50 years and, although it has re-expanded partially since 1980, it’s still considered a vulnerable species in the UK.
Vibes
Each butterfly is scored out of 100 across a set of traits, from how bold and visible it is to how far it travels or how particular it is about where it lives. These scores compare each species with the other butterflies in Britain, helping you see their differences at a glance. Here’s what makes the Silver-spotted Skipper special.
Bright colours, bold patterns, and a love of the spotlight. Some butterflies just can’t help showing off.
Fast, or throwing some seriously impressive moves, these butterflies are in a flutter.
Always on guard, ready to hide or defend - these butterflies have self-preservation down to an art.
It’s ok to be a little… well, weird. These butterflies have been certified with the freak factor.
Like Goldilocks, everything has to be just right for these perfectionists.
Hard to spot and even harder to forget, these butterflies are a true one of a kind.
Bold, curious, and ready to explore, these brave butterflies live for the thrill and aren’t afraid to travel.
Weather-resistant, battle-hardened, and built to survive, these butterflies know how to take it on the wing.
Silver-spotted Skippers are one of the most temperature-sensitive butterflies in the UK.
Test your knowledge
What makes the Silver-spotted Skipper particularly selective?Silver-spotted Skippers require warmer conditions than most butterflies and won’t fly until temperatures reach around 20°C.
Does the Silver-spotted Skipper get your vote?