Dingy Skipper
Erynnis tagesThe Dingy Skipper may sound dull, but they are full of personality. This small, fast-flying butterfly darts in short bursts and loves basking on warm, bare ground. Their mottled brown and grey wings provide excellent camouflage, especially when resting on dead flowerheads. Unusually, they sometimes roost with their wings curved down like a moth.
Dingy in name, but not by nature
Don’t let the name fool you, the Dingy Skipper may sound a bit drab, but they’re full of character!
As caterpillars, they live in shelters made from rolled up leaves, and eat Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil.
This small butterfly zips around in short bursts and loves warm, bare patches of ground where it can bask in the sun with its wings often pressed flat on the ground. When roosting, they sometimes hold their wings curved down like a moth – a position not seen in any other British butterfly.
A closer look at its wings reveals a pretty pattern of mottled browns and greys which provides some serious camouflage, and when it roosts on top of old dead flowerheads, it’s almost impossible to spot! You can also challenge yourself by looking out for Dingy Skipper eggs, which look like tiny satsumas.
Unfortunately, these butterflies are in trouble. They are rare, and numbers are trending downwards. If you’re lucky, you can spot the Dingy Skipper across the whole of the UK, but it’s less common in Scotland. They’re most at home in grassland, brownfield sites and open scrub.
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 Dingy 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.
Look out for Dingy Skipper eggs! They look like tiny satsumas.
Test your knowledge
What unusual behaviour sets the Dingy Skipper apart from other British butterflies?The Dingy Skipper is unique among British butterflies for sometimes resting with their wings curved downward, similar to a moth.
Does the Dingy Skipper get your vote?