The small skipper is a fairly common butterfly here in Dorset. Apart from the very similar but scarce Essex skipper it is unlikely to be confused with any other species given its shape, size and colouring; it should be easily distinguished from the large skipper when settled. The small skipper is associated with rough grassland where there is an abundance of tall grasses, flowers and scrub. The food plant of the larvae is primarily some grass species, especially Yorkshire fog and creeping soft-grass; Yorkshire fog is quite abundant in many areas of Dorset.
The reference books say that this butterfly can be seen from June until early September with the peak in July and this seems to be born out by the weekly reports chart. Apart from one report in week 21 (mid-May) in 2017 the bulk of reports come in weeks 25 to 27 at the later part of June and in to early July. There are then just two reports from later in August. Sadly, there are only 12 reports of small skipper in the database for 2017 and 2018 combined and so it is very under recorded making any conclusions a little risky!
Survey data shows that the small skipper can be found at at least 56 widely distributed sites in the county with the chalk areas of mid/north Dorset, the Ridgeway and the Purbeck Ridge together with the limestone cliffs of the Purbeck and Portland coast being well represented. It does also seem to occur on a small number of heathland sites as well, notably in Wareham Forest.
One of the best places to see small skipper is at Durlston Country Park in mid-summer.
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