Thymelicus

Hübner, 1819

skippers

Thymelicus is a Palearctic of () and the sole member of the tribe Thymelini. The genus includes approximately 12 described , several of which have been subjects of and biological study. Two species—Thymelicus sylvestris (small skipper) and Thymelicus lineola (European skipper/Essex skipper)—have been to North America, where T. lineola has become a notable agricultural pest. The genus has served as a model for studies in conservation , - relationships, and developmental biology.

Ochlodes sylvanus MichaD by Michael Apel. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola) on Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber), Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory - geograph.org.uk - 3645287 by Mike Pennington . Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Noordwijk - Zwartsprietdikkopje (Thymelicus lineola) by Rudolphous. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Thymelicus: //θaɪˈmɛlɪkəs//

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Habitat

occupy grassland including unimproved calcareous grassland, meadows, and areas with tall grasses. Thymelicus acteon requires mature Brachypodium pinnatum plants for breeding. Thymelicus lineola is virtually absent from hay-fields in Europe due to agricultural practices, though it occupies undisturbed wild - .

Distribution

to the Palearctic region. In Europe, occurs from southern regions northward; Thymelicus acteon is present in Britain with localized . Thymelicus lineola has been to North America and now occurs in Ontario, Québec, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and British Columbia, Canada, with spread continuing westward from initial establishment points.

Diet

feed on grasses (Poaceae). Thymelicus acteon specifically requires mature Brachypodium pinnatum. Thymelicus lineola has been associated with reduced seed development in Cypripedium reginae (showy lady's-slipper orchid), though the nature of this interaction requires further study.

Host Associations

Brachypodium pinnatum - larval foodplantRequired by Thymelicus acteon; mature plants necessary for breeding
Cypripedium reginae - associated with reduced seed developmentObserved for Thymelicus lineola; mechanism unclear

Life Cycle

Thymelicus lineola has five larval , as determined by Dyar's law in from Québec, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island, Canada. exists in capsule width and developmental time within the fifth instar. Previous reports of six instars for Ontario populations were erroneous, resulting from misinterpretation of sexual differences as separate instars.

Behavior

Thymelicus acteon forms closed with limited . exhibit localized movement patterns; the has spread locally within its historical range in Britain but has not extended its overall range boundaries. Thymelicus lineola exhibits mate location that has been subject to specific study.

Ecological Role

Serves as for diverse complexes. Thymelicus lineola in Europe hosts Phryxe vulgaris, Thecocarcelia incedens, Rogas tristis, Labrorychus delarvatus, Stenichneumon scutellator, and Brachymeria intermedia. These parasitoids in turn support hyperparasites including Mesochorus macrurus and Gelis cursitans. The has been subject to assisted efforts for climate research.

Human Relevance

Thymelicus lineola is an agricultural pest in North America, requiring control measures including cutting infested areas before or application of Thuricide 90T. A specific to T. lineola has been developed as a microbial control agent and shown safe to non-target organisms in preliminary testing. Stenichneumon scutellator has been investigated as a agent for introduction to Canada. Thymelicus sylvestris was used in assisted experiments in northern England to test climate-driven range expansion. The exemplifies successful programs.