The Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages) is a specialist butterfly species with a large distribution range across Britain and Ireland. However, population numbers have dropped by over 60% since the 1970s, making the Dingy Skipper a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Although this species is recognised as threatened, little is known about their fine-scale habitat preferences to target management and prevent further declines. Keira Wingader, who recently completed her MPhil in the Insect Ecology and Agroecology groups, will discuss her research investigating the long-term distribution and fine-scale habitat preferences of the Dingy Skipper at both the adult and egg life stages on a local Bedfordshire reserve, Totternhoe Quarry. By working closely with the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire (BCN), she hopes her research will inform appropriate management for the specific requirements of the Dingy Skipper to ensure future survival of this species.
This event is organised by the Cambridge Local Group of the Wildlife Trust, and tickets can be purchased from the local Wildlife Trust website: https://www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2021-10-25-online-talk-natural-history-dingy-skipper-butterfly. Tickets cost £3.09 for Wildlife Trust members, and £4.68 for non-members, of which £2.50 and £4.00 (respectively) goes directly to supporting the local Wildlife Trust's work.
