Distinguishing Essex from Small Skipper is impossible in flight, and requires a head-on view when settled to identify the matt-black tips of the undersides of the antennae of the Essex. In allocating numbers, I use the "pro rata" method described under Common Whites.

The records show that the commonest skipper in the period 1995 to 1999 was the Essex, although this was not observed here until 1992, before which the Small was more abundant. It is not clear whether Essex were actually not present before 1992, or just not positively identified. The numbers of both Small and Large Skippers have declined markedly over the period 1995 to 1999, and the Large Skipper has also appeared progressively later as its numbers have declined. Indeed, only one Large and no Small Skippers were seen in 1999. It is unclear whether the declines in Small and Large are a result of the increase in Essex Skippers, or whether all three are responding to external factors.