Chequered Skipper

This small, fast-flying butterfly is now restricted to damp grassy habitats in western Scotland and a recently reintroduced population in eastern England. Males are seen more frequently than females, perching in sheltered positions either next to wood edges or amongst light scrub or bracken. They dart out to investigate passing objects, defending their territory against other males and other butterfly species, or in the hope of locating a potential mate. Females are less conspicuous and fly low among grasses when egg-laying.

The Chequered Skipper died out from England in 1976 but it has been reintroduced from continental Europe as part of a long-term conservation plan. In Scotland, there are thought to be about ten core areas and there have been no obvious recent changes in range.

2022 Updates on the Chequered Skipper

Project page: Chequered Skippers - Taking Flight in Rockingham Forest, Northamptonshire
A summary of the conservation work taking place at Rockingham Forest in Northamptonshire. Read now.

Leaflet: Chequered Skipper at Fineshade Wood
A handy leaflet about the Chequered Skipper at Fineshade Wood can be downloaded here.

News story: 27 Jan 2022 - Location of the Chequered Skipper Revealed
For the first time since 1976, wildlife enthusiasts will be able to see the rare and beautiful Chequered Skipper butterfly in the wild in England during summer 2022. Find Out More.

Size and Family

• Family – Skippers
• Small Sized 
• Wing Span Range (male to female) - 29-31mm

Conservation status

• Protected under the Nature Conservation Act in Scotland
• UK BAP: Priority Species    
• Butterfly Conservation priority: High                         
• European status: Not threatened             
• Protected In Great Britain for sale only

Caterpillar Foodplant Description

The main foodplant in Scotland is Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea). In England, it is mostly associated with Wood Small-reed (Calmagrostis epigejos) and False-brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), though a range of grasses may be used as they are in continental Europe.

Life Cycle 

Habitat

In Scotland, the butterfly breeds on open damp grassland, dominated by tall Purple Moor-grass. Favoured sites are on the edges of open broadleaved woodland as richer soils produce a lusher growth of the foodplant.

In England, the butterfly breeds in flower-rich woodland rides and glades, dominated by Wood Small-reed. Adults nectar primarily on Bugle (Ajuga reptans), but will use other plants in flower during their flight period.

Former colonies in England could also also be found occasionally in fens or ungrazed calcareous grassland amongst the scrub. It may also have bred formerly in damp coppiced woodland as it does elsewhere in northern Europe.

Distribution

• Countries – England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales
• Restricted to a small area of western Scotland and a reintroduced population in eastern England.
• Distribution Trend Since 1970’s = -44%