Large Skipper
Ochlodes sylvanus
National Status
National Status: Largely confined to England and Wales, range expanding. Population trend 10 years to 2016 +23%; since 1976 -17%.
West Midlands Status
Throughout the region but less common in Herefordshire and Shropshire, range stable. Population trend 10 years – increasing.
Large Skipper was recorded in 356 squares in 2026
10 Year Trend Analysis
Habitat
Rough grassland including woodland rides, roadside verges, hedgerows and meadows.
Caterpillar Food Plant
The main foodplant is Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata). False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) Tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum) and Wood Small-reed (Calamagrostis epigejoss)
Life Cycle
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Egg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Larva | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pupa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adult | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Flight Period
Late May to mid-August with peak numbers usually in late June/early July.
First/Last Sightings 2026
| First Sighting | Recorded by | Last Sighting | Recorded by |
| 2 May | Tilt, John | 6 September | Tilt, John |
Distribution Map
Key
Total number of sightings per tetrad
Hotspots
Almost any uncut grassy area.