Purple Hairstreak Butterflies

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Scientific name:  Quercusia quercus

Size:  Wingspan up to 36mm

Distribution:  Found mainly in the southern half of England, and most of Wales.  Scarce in the north of the UK

Months seen:  July and August

Food:  Honeydew from aphids.  The caterpillars feed on oak leaves and buds.

Habitat:  Purple hairstreaks are usually seen high in the canopy of mature oak trees.

Special features: The upper surfaces of the wings have an iridescent purple sheen which is more noticeable when they are flying.  The undersides of the wings are a silver-grey colour with the typical white 'hairstreak' line, and small eye markings near the 'tails'.

Purple Hairstreak butterflies lay their eggs next to developing oak buds.  They remain there throughout the winter and hatch around April time when the caterpillars can start feeding on the soft, developing oak leaves inside the buds.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Butterfly Section
• UK Safari Caterpillar Section
• Identify other wildlife
• What's Out Now?