Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages)

Cheshire local information

When to see: May-June

Where to see: Limestone grassland, old quarries, abandoned industrial sites

Behaviour: Perch

Wingspan: 27-34mm

Caterpillar food plant: Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)

Cheshire status: An uncommon resident which, during periods in the twentieth century, was more widespread than at present. Recently its distribution has become more patchy with the main populations now confined to sites of industrial waste around Northwich. Other very small isolated colonies occur in the south of the country and on the Wirral, plus a recently discovered site in north-east Cheshire. A single-brooded insect that flies from late April to mid-June.