A new butterfly species has been recorded on the Sefton Coast for the first time, marking a significant addition to the region's biodiversity. The Essex Skipper, a small orange butterfly, was spotted at Marshside RSPB reserve by local visitor Gayle Daley, who noticed it resting on a Ragwort flowerhead near the Sandgrounders Hide.
Discovery and Identification
Daley and three others were observing the butterfly when John Dempsey, a Green Sefton officer, arrived. The butterfly remained settled, allowing close inspection. Identifying an Essex Skipper requires checking the sooty black undersides of its antennae tips, which distinguish it from the similar Small Skipper. Dempsey managed to photograph the antennae from underneath, confirming the black tips. The butterfly also featured a broad dark border on its orange wings, a crisp white edge, and thin black lines on the wings, with orange underwings.
The sighting was submitted to the Lancashire County Butterfly Recorder, who formally confirmed the identification two days later. This is the first official record of Essex Skipper on the coastal strip.
Spread and Climate Factors
The Essex Skipper has rapidly expanded its range northward in recent years from a restricted area in the south-east. Its similarity to the Small Skipper (which has paler brown antennae tips) led to it being overlooked for years; it was only formally described in the UK in 1889. A warming climate is believed to be a key driver of its northward movement, but some experts suggest that roadside verges with sensitive mowing regimes may serve as corridors for its spread.
Two more Essex Skippers were seen at Crosby Coastal Park the following day. The flight season lasts until August, offering opportunities for more sightings.
Conservation and Monitoring
The discovery highlights the importance of careful observation and recording in tracking species shifts due to climate change. Green Sefton, which manages the coastline, encourages the public to report sightings. As Dempsey notes, the key to identification lies in the antennae tips.
