Species account

Sortplettet Bredpande (Carterocephalus silvicola)    Meigen (1829)
   Bredpander (Hesperiidae) [Sommerfugle]    NCSK    24905
Northern Chequered Skipper (gb)   Patrón Cuadriculado del Norte (es)   Svartfläckig Glanssmygare (se)  
Measurements:
WS:24-30mm
Generations:
1
Flight period:
JFMAMJJASOND 
SE
Identification:
The only black and yellow skipper in Denmark which makes it unmistakable. The yellow base color to the forewing is more noticeable on the male because of smaller black spots throughout. The female hindwing shows dark base color with well-marked yellow spots where the male shows a more diffuse pattern.

The Chequered Skipper is another European species and very similar to Northern Chequered. That one, however, shows a dark base color to both wings with yellow spots.
Similar species:
Life stages:
Distribution:
NE Germany, N Poland, Baltic states, Fennoscandinavia to Siberia, Amur and Japan.
Habitat:
Mature mixed coniferous and deciduous forests preferring moister parts. Seen resting and foraging on vegetation along sun-exposed roads and clearings.
Behavior:
The male is defending territories against other butterflies and other males. Often likes to rest exposed on plants watching for females or intruders. Females tend to stay in shadier parts of the forest.
Host plants:
Eng-rørhvene (Calamagrostis canescens) [Purple Small-Reed ~ Grenrör]
Almindelig Kamgræs (Cynosurus cristatus) [Crested Dog's-tail ~ Cola de Perro ~ Kamäxing]
Miliegræs (Milium effusum) [Wood Millet ~ Mijo Silvestre ~ Hässlebrodd]
Feeding plants:
Stinkende Storkenæb (Geranium robertianum) [Herb-Robert ~ Geranio de San Roberto ~ Stinknäva]
Stor Fladstjerne (Stellaria holostea) [Greater stitchwort ~ Estrellada ~ Buskstjärnblomma]
Krybende Læbeløs (Ajuga reptans) [Blue Bugle ~ Búgula ~ Revsuga]
Tveskægget Ærenpris (Veronica chamaedrys) [Germander Speedwell ~ Beltrónica ~ Teveronika]
Status (?):NE: Not evaluated
NA: Not applicable
DD: Data deficient
LC: Least concern
NT: Near threatened
VU: Vulnerable
EN: Endangered
CR: Critically endangered
EW: Extinct in the wild
EX: Extinct
LX: Locally extinct
. Very localized and rare in Denmark. First discovered in 1941. Has always been rare but is now even declining and in risk of disappearing completely. Only remaining locality is Søholt Storskov, Lolland where conservation efforts are not convincing.
Comment:
Northern Chequered Skipper 709    (6 photos BOTH SIDES)
2022-06-05    Søholt Storskov (Maribo), Denmark

Imago Han
A difficult species to get this year. Now being past the peak season, and most people have only seen one or two individuals. The Aage V. Jensen foundation has bought large parts of the forest with the intent to improve the conditions for exactly this species, being the only locality where to find it in Denmark! Hopefully they are not too late.

I walked in the forest all day, 8 hours and 14 kilometers and only found this single male. And I only saw it briefly, which is also reflected by the mediocre photos. But they are good enough to confirm that I got myself a lifer!




Northern Chequered Skipper 1526    (5 photos BOTH SIDES)
2023-06-06    Getå (Norrköping), Sweden

Imago Han
Trail above Getå, near the power line.
A single animal was all we got. Found by Elin.