Identifying features
Wingspan: 22–27 mm. The ground colour on the uppersides of both pairs of wings is amber-orange.
Similar species
Essex skipper can be very easily confused with small skipper, but the underside of the antennae on the latter is orange-light, in contrast to essex skipper, which is black-brown. This is only a 95% reliable indicator, as there are forms of essex skipper females with an orange spot on their antennae.
Distribution
Widespread and common throughout Denmark.
Biology
With its long proboscis, essex skipper can reach the nectar in flowers with deep corollas. It is often seen basking in a prominent location, such as a reed or a leaf, with its wings partially extended.