Tuesday 1 December 2015

Purple Hairstreak

The Purple Hairstreak (Quercusia quercus) is a little gem of a butterfly and well worth seeking out in mixed woodland containing plenty of oak, its only foodplant. Although a fairly common species in Sussex, it is largely a canopy dweller which makes it tricky to see at close quarters but with plenty of patient hours in the field and a knowledge of its life cycle and behaviour, you can see this beauty up close.


Purple Hairstreak (Quercusia quercus) (female)





Purple Hairstreak (Quercusia quercus) (mating)

2 comments:

  1. Excellent set of photos of this beautiful butterfly.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Peter. It is kind of you to say so. The Purple Hairstreak is definitely one of my favourite species.

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