Small or Lulworth Skipper?

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Hi all

I took the following photographs at Durlston Country Park in Dorset yesterday. It is a known haunt of the Lulworth Skipper, but I wasn't expecting to see it this early in the season. Having said that, it's also rather early for the Small Skipper: and it appears that the flight season for the former has been getting earlier recently.

I'd be grateful for any opinions.

[Neil Freeman]

Looks good for a Lulworth to me. I know Durlston is said to be a late site for these but they have been out for a few weeks now at the earlier sites.

Cheers,

Neil.

[Wurzel]

I'm with Neil - defo a Lulworth. I saw one at Portland yesterday and it was in bits so they've been out for a while now. Small and Essex look more orange than Lulworths which take on a dark tan colour

Have a goodun

Wurzel

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Thanks both. I suspected it was a Lulworth, but good to have confirmation from those who may be more familiar with the species than I am.