# Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola) - Web page: https://www.funwildfacts.com/norden/insect/essex-skipper - Published: 2026-05-30 - Last updated: 2026-05-30 ## Overview The Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola) is a small but fascinating butterfly belonging to the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the skipper family. This species is renowned for its fast, darting flight pattern and characteristic appearance with orange-yellow wings. The butterfly received its English name when it was first discovered in Essex, England, in 1889, but the species has since spread across much of Europe and parts of Asia. With a wingspan reaching 24-29 millimeters, it is one of the smaller butterflies found in northern regions. One of the most distinctive features of this species is the underside of the antenna tips, which are jet black – a detail that distinguishes it from the very similar Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris), which has orange-brown antenna tips. The wings are orange-yellow to golden-brown on the upper side with darker margins, while males have a distinct black scent-scale brand on the upper side of the forewing. The body is robust and covered with hair, which is typical of the skipper family. The butterfly's large, dark compound eyes give it excellent vision for detecting both floral resources and potential mates. The Essex Skipper undergoes complete metamorphosis (holometabolous development) from egg through larva and pupa to adult butterfly. The larva is green with a darker dorsal line and lives hidden in folded grass blades. It overwinters as an egg in the grass sheath, which is a unique adaptation that distinguishes the species from many other butterflies. The larva feeds primarily on various grass species, particularly Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) and Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata). Pupation occurs in a loose silk cocoon among grass stems during early summer. The species has expanded its range dramatically in recent decades, likely as a result of climate change and increased temperatures. In Scandinavia, it is now regularly found in southern Sweden and Denmark, with occasional observations further north. The population is considered stable in most parts of Europe, where the species benefits from meadows, roadsides, and other grass-rich habitats that are not treated with pesticides. ## Quick facts - Weight: 0.00015–0.00025 g - Length: 1.1–1.5 cm - Wingspan: 2.4–2.9 cm - Lifespan: 0.019–0.082 yrs - Diet: Herbivore - Conservation Status: Least Concern ## Habitat The Essex Skipper thrives in open, sunny grasslands with rich floral diversity. The species prefers meadows, pastures, roadside verges, railway embankments, and other habitats where grasses are allowed to grow tall and flower. It is often found in cultural landscapes where traditional mowing or grazing maintains a mosaic of short and tall grass. The butterfly is particularly common on calcareous soils and in areas with good access to nectar-rich flowers. In Scandinavia, the species is mainly found in lowlands and coastal areas in southern Sweden and Denmark. It avoids shady forest areas and overly intensively farmed agricultural land. Suitable habitats are characterized by variation in vegetation height, good sun exposure, and the presence of both host plants for the larvae (various grass species) and nectar plants for adult butterflies. The species benefits from extensive management that promotes biodiversity, such as late mowing and limited use of pesticides. - Grassland - Farmland - Garden - Heathland - Woodland ## Seasonal Behavior Adult butterflies fly mainly from late June to early August, with peak numbers in July. This is the period when females lay their eggs in grass sheaths. The eggs overwinter and hatch only in April-May of the following year when temperatures rise. The larvae undergo several molts during May and June before pupating. The pupal stage lasts about 2-3 weeks before the new generation of adult butterflies emerges in late June. The species has only one generation per year in Scandinavia, but in warmer climates further south, two generations may occur. ## Breeding - Incubation: 21 days - Offspring: 50–150 ## Behavior & Ecology - Activity Pattern: Diurnal - Social Behavior: Males are territorial and actively defend their territories against other males through rapid aerial chases. Adult butterflies are diurnal and most active in sunny, warm weather. - Migration: Resident - Population: Stable and locally common in southern Scandinavia, with expanding range northward ## Did you know? - The underside of the antenna tips is jet black – this is the most reliable way to distinguish the species from the very similar Small Skipper! - The butterfly can fly at speeds up to 15 kilometers per hour despite its small size, making rapid, jerky wingbeats that give the family its 'skipper' name. - The eggs overwinter inside the grass sheath and don't hatch until the following spring – the larva spends the entire winter as a tiny egg! - Males are highly territorial and patrol their territories from strategic lookout posts on tall grass stems or flowers. - The species was first discovered in England in 1889 but has since spread across all of Britain and further north in Europe. - The larva only feeds at night and rests hidden in a folded grass blade during the day to avoid predators. - Adult butterflies love to visit purple and pink flowers, especially thistles, knapweeds, and wild thyme. - A single female can lay between 50 and 150 eggs during her short adult lifespan, which lasts only 2-3 weeks! ## Taxonomy - Kingdom: Animalia - Class: Insecta - Order: Lepidoptera - Family: Hesperiidae - Species: Thymelicus lineola ## Image - URL: https://images.djurfakta.com/animals/svarttippad-bredbramad-grasfjaril/1777522773661-1.jpg - Photo: Michael Apel - License: CC BY-SA 2.5 ## Other languages - sv: https://www.djurfakta.com/norden/insect/svarttippad-bredbramad-grasfjaril - da: https://www.dyrefakta.com/da/norden/insect/sortspidset-timiansmasommerfugl - no: https://www.dyrefakta.com/norden/insect/sorttuppet-grasengsmasommerfugl