Chequered skipper  (Carterocephalus palaemon)

The extinction of this butterfly in England is believed to have been the result of changes in woodland management, in particular the decline of coppicing (2). In addition, some sites were cleared in order to plant conifers (2). At present, unsuitable grazing levels (3), browsing by deer (2) and loss of open areas in woodlands are remaining threats (3).

The chequered skipper is a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. A Species Action Plan has therefore been produced in order to guide conservation action. Butterfly Conservation has also produced an action plan for this butterfly; both action plans are available on-line (see links below). Trade in this species is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. An experimental re-introduction programme was started in 1990, with releases of adults at a restored site in Lincolnshire in 1997-9. Breeding has been recorded, but it is not yet known if these trials will prove successful in the long-term (2). Despite these promising steps, conservation action must be concentrated on the remaining natural populations in Scotland, which are still very vulnerable to changes in woodland management (2).