Small Skipper
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Thymelicus sylvestris
Common & widespread in Britain.
The Larvae feeds on Yorkshire-fog & other grasses.
Very similar in appearance to the Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola).
In the Small Skippers, the undersides of the tips of the antennae are yellow orange, whereas they are black in the Essex Skippers.
The black area on the lower edge of the upper wings also differs. Like the other orange grass skippers, the Male has a distinctive black stripe made up of scent scales.
Flight period is late June-August, overlapping with the Essex Skipper.
They are strongly attracted to purple flowers such as Thistles and Knapweeds.