Lulworth skipper  (Thymelicus acteon)

The Lulworth skipper was once found in Devon. Apart from the loss of the species in this area, its range has stayed relatively stable. Its habitats in Britain have not been destroyed, largely because the slopes on which the species occurs are too steep to be ploughed or occur in military training areas. During the twentieth century, the levels of grazing in areas inhabited by this skipper have decreased; the foodplant has been able to grow to the taller heights that suit this species as a result. Small declines in the Lulworth skipper have occurred in some areas due to an increase in grazing (2).

Scrub removal has benefited the species in some localities, and many sites are ungrazed (2). However, research has indicated that some grazing may actually benefit this butterfly, as nectar-source flowers will be encouraged, but grazing in spring and summer when the larvae tend to be located at high points on vegetation is detrimental. Maintaining the longer sward needed by this species conflicts with conservation management for other butterfly species such as the Adonis blue butterfly (Lysandra bellargus); conservation measures will therefore need to manage different parts of an area for different species, with the Lulworth skipper becoming a priority in the existing key areas (3).