Skipper butterflies are named for their fast, darting flight — like they’re skipping through the air. Though small and often overlooked, they have hooked antennae (unlike most butterflies) and are an important sign of grassland health.

Several skipper species are widespread across the UK from May to September, including the Small, Essex, and Large Skippers. You’ll spot them in grassy meadows, woodland rides, parks and even roadside verges.

Adult skippers feed on nectar from flowers like thistles, knapweed, and bird’s-foot trefoil.
Their caterpillars depend on grasses such as Yorkshire fog, timothy grass, and cock’s-foot.