Essex Skipper vs Long-tailed Skipper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Essex Skipper | Long-tailed Skipper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thymelicus lineola | Urbanus proteus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hesperiidae | Hesperiidae |
| Size | 26-30 mm wingspan | 43-55 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia (introduced to North America) | Southern United States through Central and South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Essex Skipper
A small orange-brown skipper so similar to the small skipper that it was not recognised as a separate British species until 1889. The undersides of its antenna tips are black, not orange.
Did You Know?
It was overlooked in Britain for over a century because it was confused with the nearly identical small skipper.
Long-tailed Skipper
A striking skipper with iridescent blue-green body and wing bases and long tail-like projections on the hindwings. It is a strong flier and occasional migrant.
Did You Know?
Known as the bean leaf roller because the caterpillar folds bean leaves into tubular shelters.