Small Skipper Butterfly (see below for Essex Skipper)

Thymelicus sylvestris

Photos have been downgraded in size and quality for Internet bandwidth; copyright e-barrett

For identification of butterflies, both the top and side views are shown.

The Small Skipper butterfly is slightly smaller than the Large Skipper. They are often found together as both like long grassland and meadows.

From the underside, the Small Skipper has a small buff triangle usually visible on the corner of its forewing. Its antenna tips are black on top and orange underneath.
     
 

Essex Skipper Butterfly

Thymelicus lineola

Of similar size and appearance to the Small Skipper and often together, the Essex Skipper does not have the buff triangle and has wholly black tips to its antennae
   
 
Small skipper (orange underside antenna tips) flying in to Essex skipper (black underside antenna tips) in the Totteridge Fields
 
 
 
Large Skipper Silver-spotted Skipper Mallow Skipper