THE ESSEX SKIPPER 
367 
The general habits of A, lineola are very similar to those 
of A. sylvcstris. Its flight is short, rapid, and buzzing, and 
it may be seen darting from one flower to another to feed 
on the nectar. Its favourite flowers are Knapweed, Thistles, 
Lucerne and Clover. During dull weather and at night, this 
little insect rests on flower-heads of Grasses, Thistles and 
other growth. When thus resting, its wings are tightly closed 
over its back. When resting in sunshine, it expands the 
hind wings, while the upper pair are elevated and only partly 
open. 
Haunts and Distribution. The little butterfly appears 
chiefly confined to the south-eastern counties, Essex being its 
principal locality. It has been recorded from Bedfordshire, 
Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Kent, Northamptonshire, 
Nottinghamshire, Somersetshire, Suffolk and Sussex. No 
doubt it occurs in many other parts of the country ; but it is 
frequently overlooked because of its close similarity to the 
Small Skipper. 
Abroad it occurs over the whole of the Palaearctic 
regions (except for the most northerly) and the Canary 
Isles. It is probable that it exists in both Scotland and 
Ireland. 
In Essex its chief haunts are rough uncultivated grass 
fields, sea walls covered with various coarse grasses and 
other rank growth, and the neighbouring marshlands. It is 
also spread over the county several miles inland-, and is 
common in Lucerne and Clover fields in bloom. The Essex 
Skipper is usually found in company with A. sylvestris, the 
two species appearing in about equal numbers. It frequents 
the fenland in Cambridgeshire, and woods and lanes in 
Bedfordshire. 
Time of Appearance. A. lineola is single-brooded, ap¬ 
pearing on the wing in July and August. 
Hibernation. This species passes hibernation in the egg 
state, which lasts between eight and nine months. 
Egg and Egg Laying. When intent on egg laying, the 
female flies slowly among the long, coarse grasses, searching 
for a suitable stem for the eggs, which are deposited in a row 
in the sheath between the blade and stem and are attached 
to the former. The grasses usually selected are Cat's Tail 
