Butterfly Survey 1976-2025
Grizzled Skipper Thymelcius sylvestris
Small butterfly: wingspan 25mm
The Grizzled skipper always had a notable early presence on the Downs around Eynsford and Shoreham, but this butterfly became prolific after the great 1987 and 1990 storms, where ideal breeding conditions occured and an abundance of wild strawberry sprang up on the denuded hillsides.Preferring a grazed and lightly trampled pasture (sheep) since about 1998 with an inrease in the processionary growth of scrub it has declined in those areas of woodland most affected by the storm. It is however still present on Fackenden in a smaller population and it remains to be seen if the grazing regime in the lower field is of benefit. In that respect, this butterfly poses an interesting precedent in respect of climate change and conservation in our area.
Habit: Flies very quickly in darting flight, but rests frequently, slowly opening its wings to bask. Often found in company, though emerging earlier, with the Dingy Skipper, or can be confused with the mother shipton moth, below.
Single brooded - (occasionally partial second brood in August). Overwinters as a pupa. A butterfly was photographed mid September* in Old Winchester Hants bearing out rare reports of a third brood.
Larval foodplant: wild strawberry and other plants - lucern.
Status: not under threat. Gained a much greater presence after the great 1987/1990 storms - peaking in 1994 - represented, but slowly declining in Shoreham, Otford and Eynsford and surrounding downland - also in the cleared areas at High Elms.
WH - White Hill Shoreham, BC - Bromley Common, Ha Hayes --BN Bromley North - Ey Eynsford - Orp Orpington Lull Lullingstone HE High Elms
© Rodney Compton
mother shipton moth