Small Skipper
Thymelicus sylvestrisThe Small Skipper is a lively, fast-flying butterfly that weaves and darts expertly through tall grasses on orange-brown wings. Often seen basking with wings half-open in typical skipper fashion, they can also be spotted roosting in groups on grass stems. They are highly social, even as caterpillars, overwintering together inside grass sheaths. Widespread across England, Wales and southern Scotland, they are one of the most common skippers found in open grassy habitats.
A fantastic flyer skipping through grass stems
Tiny but lively, the Small Skipper is a brilliant flyer, manoeuvring expertly through tall grass stems with energy to spare. Its darting flight and bright orange-brown wings glinting in the sunlight catch the eye, and a closer look at nearby vegetation can often reveal others hidden in the grass as they bask with their wings held half-open.
They’re a family oriented bunch. When the caterpillars hatch, they spin a cocoon inside a sheath of grass and spend the winter inside, together with their siblings. As adults, they like to roost in groups high up on grass stems.
Despite its name, the Small Skipper isn’t actually the smallest of the skippers – that title goes to the Lulworth Skipper. Unlike the Lulworth Skipper, though, the Small Skipper is widespread across England and Wales, and in southern Scotland.
They’re one of the most common UK skippers, so you’re in with a good chance of spotting them. Find them in open places with long grass, road verges, and in woodland glades.
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 Small 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.
Small Skippers are social butterflies, often roosting in groups high up on grass stems.
Test your knowledge
Where do Small Skipper caterpillars spend the winter?Small Skipper caterpillars overwinter together inside cocoons formed within grass sheaths.
Does the Small Skipper get your vote?