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Large Chequered Skipper

Heteropterus morpheus

The Large Chequered Skipper is a small butterfly with beautiful checkered patterns on its wings. It flutters around fields and meadows, bringing joy to those who spot it.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Large Chequered Skipper has dark brown wings boldly marked with yellowish-orange checkered patterns. Its hindwing undersides are distinctively yellowish-green with small white spots, setting it apart. Antennae feature prominent, hooked clubs at their tips.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyHesperiidaeGenusHeteropterus
Large Chequered Skipper
spotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Large Chequered Skipper

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

It rests with its wings in a unique 'fighter jet' position, partially open for quick take-offs!

The species name 'morpheus' comes from the Greek god of dreams, reflecting its captivating beauty.

This butterfly gets its 'skipper' name from its super fast, skipping flight style!

Young Large Chequered Skippers (caterpillars) roll up grass blades to create cozy hiding homes.

Special abilities

Ability

Darting Dynamo

The Large Chequered Skipper can fly with incredibly fast, erratic movements because of its powerful wing muscles.

Ability

Nectar Straw

It has a long, coiled proboscis that helps it sip sweet nectar from deep inside various flowers.

Ability

Patterned Cloak

Its checkered wing patterns help it blend into the dappled sunlight of grassy meadows, avoiding predators.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
27-31 mm
Size
15-20 mm
Lifespan
10-20 days
Flight Speed
20 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip sweet nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on grass leaves.

Age differences: Larvae feed exclusively on grass leaves; adults feed solely on flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • False Brome grass
  • Purple Moor-grass
  • Orchard Grass

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

False Brome

Brachypodium sylvaticum

Its caterpillars rely on this grass as a primary food source.

eats

Purple Moor-grass

Molinia caerulea

Another key food plant for its developing caterpillars.

pollinates

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

Adults help spread pollen while feeding on its nectar.

eaten by

Eurasian Blue Tit

Cyanistes caeruleus

Young birds and their parents often prey on butterfly larvae.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be gentle and quiet when watching butterflies so you don’t scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Large Chequered Skipper's wingspan?

27-31 mm

How big is Large Chequered Skipper?

15-20 mm

How long does Large Chequered Skipper live?

10-20 days

How fast can Large Chequered Skipper fly?

20 km/h

What does Large Chequered Skipper eat?

Adults sip sweet nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on grass leaves.

Where is Large Chequered Skipper usually found?

Grasslands

How does Large Chequered Skipper hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Large Chequered Skipper have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

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