Species profile
About this species
The Dingy Skipper is a small, moth-like butterfly found across much of Europe & Asia. Its wings are a mottled brown & grey, giving it a somewhat drab appearance that provides excellent camouflage against bare ground & dead vegetation. Despite its modest colouring, it is a fascinating species with a rapid, darting flight behaviour.
Dingy Skippers favour sheltered, flower-rich grasslands including chalk downland, limestone grassland, woodland clearings & rides, & brownfield sites where their larval foodplants such as bird's-foot trefoil grow in abundance.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Dingy 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 June is the primary flight period, with a partial second brood sometimes appearing in August. Warm, sunny mornings between 9am & midday are ideal, as the butterflies bask to raise their body temperature.
Approach slowly & carefully as this species is easily disturbed, using a macro lens to capture its intricate wing patterning at close range. Look for individuals basking on bare ground or low vegetation in warm sunshine, as they spread their wings flat when warming up, offering ideal portrait opportunities. Shooting in the early morning when temperatures are cooler will give you more time to get focussed shots before the butterfly becomes too active.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Dingy 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.