Tags
British butterflies, butterflies, butterfly, Malling Down Nature Reserve, Seaford Head Nature Reserve, Silver-spotted skipper, Skippers
I know my vision isn’t the best but I really don’t see the silver marks on these skippers’ wings as spots – they look more like squares to me. But maybe Silver-squared skipper doesn’t have the same ring to it!
I’m a big fan of the various skipper species so was very much hoping to find my first Silver-spotted skippers during my recent short break in East Sussex, and I was definitely not disappointed, seeing them at both Seaford Head Nature Reserve (just one) and Malling Down Nature Reserve (several).
Like the other skippers I’ve seen, these were very cute and rather cheeky, happy to perch and stare when not slurping away on wildflower nectar. Those at Malling Down seemed to favour pink flowers in particular, but that may just be coincidence.
What is it about Skippers? They are just so charming, don’t you think? I sometimes lunch at a restaurant called the Chequered Skipper and last year (I think) some of the butterflies were released nearby and, last heard of surviving. I should love to see them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree – they’re very charming. I would love to see the Chequered skippers but I think people are being kept away until their population really does get established (though I think there are colonies in Scotland). I have a couple of other skippers still to see – the Lulworth and the Grizzled.
LikeLiked by 1 person