British Wildlife 07.4 April 1996

Identification – Skipper Butterflies

Skipper butterflies are the most primitive and moth-like group of butterflies; some entomologists even place them in their own sub-order of Lepidoptera, distinct from both butterflies and moths. Adult skippers can be distinguished by their large head (as wide as the body) with antennae set widely on either side, quite unlike other butterflies. There are eight species in Britain and a ninth found only on Jersey, all of which can be identified from a careful look.

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