Sussex Butterfly Conservation : Species

Butterfly Species in Sussex

Silver-spotted Skipper nectaring on Small Scabious – photo by Bob Eade

Silver-spotted Skipper

Hesperia comma

Description

This heat-loving butterfly has had a dramatic change of fortunes since the 1970s, when there were very real concerns that it might be lost as a UK species. In Sussex it “was restricted to just the downland slopes of Wilmington, and Bible Bottom near Lewes”. In 2024, it can be found along the whole of the South Downs between Eastbourne and Chantry Hill, and it wouldn’t be surprising if it re-colonises further suitable habitat in the hills and valleys between Chantry Hill and the Arun Valley.

Quoting Neil Hulme in “The Butterflies of Sussex”, there is “compelling evidence that the resurgence of this species can be attributed to climate warming. Higher average temperatures have resulted in a demonstrable, wider tolerance of habitat conditions, allowing the Silver-spotted Skipper to breed on multi-aspect slopes”. That is certainly the case at Chantry Hill where this skipper may be found on east-facing and north-facing slopes. In high summer, these less advantageous slopes may be bathed in sunshine for 5-6 hours daily, which should be enough to encourage a successful breeding cycle.

Between 2006-2024 an “average first sighting” was July 16th (range, July 6th to July 26th). This very wide range of dates must be frustrating for anyone wishing to study this species but if you simply wish to see one, then venture forth in the first half of August, when peak numbers are usually recorded. For 2006-2024 the “average last sighting” was September 2nd, with a range of dates between August 10th and September 10th.

Silver-spotted Skippers lay their eggs on Sheep’s Fescue, and it is important that we understand this larval foodplant if we are to successfully manage this skippers’ breeding sites. This fescue is a diminutive, fine-leaved grass species of short, chalk grassland and can be found along the whole of the South Downs. It is a species of the “margins” and can cope with intense heat and intense dryness, the kind of pressures that cause other vegetation to wilt. It is found on the edges of tracks, footpaths, but especially rabbit scrapes. The small tufts of Sheep’s Fescue on the top edge of a rabbit scrape is where we find the eggs of Silver-spotted Skippers.

It is a beautiful little insect, that gives us a lot of pleasure, at a time of year when many other species are gradually winding down.

Where to find

Malling Down TQ431113 to TQ429107, High and Over TQ511014 to TQ504013, Newtimber Hill TQ268118 to TQ269126, Cissbury Hill TQ136077 and Chantry Hill TQ0812.