Identifying features
Wingspan 23–26 mm. In the male, the forewing is yellow with black spots, while the hindwing is yellow with less or more extensive dark markings, especially at the edge. In the female, the dark markings are more prominent: the forewing edge is broadly dark brown, and the hindwing is dark brown with round yellow spots.
Similar species
The female can be confused with chequered skipper, but it is distinguished by the fact that the yellow band within the front wing edge is not broken.
Distribution
Found scattered from inner Østfold in the south, north to Sørfold in Nordland. Generally very rare, but there are good populations in the southern part of Hedmark and in Saltdalen. Since around 2010, the species appears to have become more numerous.
Biology
The larva feeds on brome grasses (Bromus), millet grasses (Milium), crested dog’s-tail (Cynosurus) and probably other grasses. It spins a tube of grass in which it also overwinters.