Large Chequered Skipper

Description:

The Large Chequered Skipper has a very distinctive and attractive underside but a drab upperside (see the 4th and last photo, which is not often seen, as it usually settles with wings closed).
The flight is quite distinctive and provides immediate identification of the species: it appears to bounce through the air with little sense of direction, almost as if drunk.
This species can be found in isolated populations in Europe and east across the Palearctic to Central Asia and Korea.
It is endangered in The Netherlands and is only found in the Groote Peel National Park.

At the time I visited this area in beautiful sunny weather conditions, I was quite surprised by their abundance. They were everywhere! Especially sitting on thistle flowers.

De Groote Peel National Park, The Netherlands, 11 July 2018

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