WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Common and widespread throughout the southern half of the UK, becoming scarce further north. Habitat includes: Places with long grass such as meadows, grassland, roadside verges, hedgerows, woodland rides / clearings, gardens, parks, allotments, churchyards, wasteland etc. Life story: One generation per year. Flight period: June to August (rarely September). Diet: Adults nectar from various flowers (especially Brambles), Caterpillars feed on various grasses, mainly Cock's-foot Grass (Dactylis glomerata), but also Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) and False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum) are used. Females have also been observed laying eggs on Tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum) and Wood Small-reed (Calamagrostis epigejos). Personally I believe they may also use False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) given that I've often seen Large Skippers where it is dominant. Wingspan: 33 - 35 mm. Other names include: Ochlodes faunus.