Dingy Skippers

Identify It >   Butterflies Section >   Dingy Skippers >

Scientific name:  Erynnis tages

Size:  Wingspan approx 28mm

Distribution:  Found in many parts of England and Wales, scarce in Scotland, and possibly extinct in Northern Ireland

Months seen:  May to June

Habitat:  Heathland, scrubby grassland, downland, woodland edges, cliffs and dunes

Food:  Nectar.  The caterpillars feed on bird's-foot trefoil, greater bird's-foot trefoil or horseshoe vetch

Special features:  Dingy Skippers are small grey and brown coloured moth-like butterflies.  The colours keep them well camouflaged and when disturbed they are able to dart away very rapidly.

When resting they hang their wings in a roof-like position (like a noctuid), adding to their mothish appearance.

The caterpillars are green with a dark brown head.  They feed until the end of July and then hibernate in a tent which they make from silk and leaves.  In early spring the caterpillar pupates and then emergeas as an adult butterfly in May.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Butterfly Section
• UK Safari Caterpillar Section
• Identify other wildlife
• What's Out Now?