Large Skipper - Ochlodes venata This widespread and common Skipper occurs throughout Europe and its range extends across northern Asia to China and Japan. In the British Isles it is confined to England, Wales and the Channel Islands. It occurs up to 2000 meters on hillsides, forest margins, wasteland and similar grassy places, often in coastal areas. The caterpillar has a large blackish-brown head and a bluish-green body with a dark line down the back and a yellow stripe along each side. It feeds on various grasses, including false-brome (Brachypodium) and cock's-foot (Dactylis glmoerata), sheltering inside a tube spun from tall grass blades. When full grown it pupates in a cocoon spun amongst grass blades, the adult emerging after about three weeks. The butterfly is a strong flier and in warm weather is restless, constantly alighting on foliage and flying off again. It is on the wing from June to August according to locality. Although this species is single-brooded in northern Europe, it may have up to three broods in the south.
Carter, D. (1982). Butterflies and Moths in Brittan and Europe. Pan Books
