HESPERIIDAE – SKIPPERS
The Hesperiidae – the Skippers – are characterized by their fast and erratic flight, which earned them the nickname “darting butterflies.” Skippers have angular-shaped wings and are generally dull-colored, with subtle patterns. This family includes many species, mainly found in warm and temperate regions of the world. Skipper caterpillars mainly feed on grasses, bamboos, and herbaceous plants. Due to their preference for open, sunny habitats, skippers are often seen in meadows, fields, and forest edges.

Characteristics

• Stout butterflies, modest wingspan (20–40 mm)
• Short wings, often dull (brown, orange), sometimes with translucent or spotted markings
• Hooked antennae (a distinctive feature)
• Fast, jerky flight, sometimes in zigzag patterns
• Wings held flat or in a V-shape at rest (forewings upright, hindwings spread)

Habitat

Hesperiidae are found in:

• Dry grasslands, flower meadows, sunny clearings
• Path edges, heathlands, fallow fields, warm open habitats
• Herbaceous habitats with grasses, including in mountainous areas

Biology

• Eggs laid singly on grasses or legumes
• Caterpillars fold themselves in a leaf wrapped with silk
• Usually stout, broad-headed, greenish or brownish in color
• Pupate in a silky cocoon at the plant base or in the litter
• One or two generations per year depending on species

Common genera and species

• Thymelicus – T. lineola, T. sylvestris: small orange skippers common in summer
• Ochlodes – O. sylvanus: large orange skipper with pale spots
• Erynnis – Dark, discreet skippers (E. tages)
• Pyrgus – Checkered skippers (brown wings with white spots)
• Carcharodus, Hesperia, Spialia – Mediterranean or mountainous groups

Special features

• Very good indicators of dry grassland quality and structure
• Identification sometimes tricky in photos (tiny differences in venation or spots)
• Active in sunny weather, hard to track in flight
• Some species are localized, sensitive to habitat loss

Genus Ochlodes

Ochlodes sylvanus – Large Skipper

Genus Thymelicus