Species profile
About this species
The Chequered Skipper is a small, distinctive butterfly with a rich orange-brown upperwing patterned with pale yellow spots arranged in a chequered formation. It has a rapid, darting flight low over vegetation & is known for its habit of basking with wings partially open in sunny clearings. In the UK it became extinct in England in 1976 but survives in western Scotland, where it was reintroduced to Northamptonshire in 2018.
Open woodland rides & clearings, particularly where Bracken & grasses such as Purple Moor-grass are abundant, typically in sheltered valley edges in western Scotland
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Chequered Skipper with us in Bulgaria.
These departures are part of our Europe programme.
In the field, Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Late April to early June, during warm sunny mornings between 9am & midday when adults are most active & basking
Approach slowly & crouch low to get a ground-level perspective that captures the intricate wing patterning against natural backgrounds. Focus on sunny clearings in the early morning when the butterfly basks to warm up, making it far more approachable & stationary. Use a macro lens or close-focusing zoom to fill the frame whilst maintaining enough distance to avoid disturbing the subject.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Chequered Skipper
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.