Purple Hairstreak

Adult

National Status: Mainly a butterfly of southern England but also found in parts of Wales and Scotland, range expanding.Population trend 10 years -10%; since 1976 -54%.
West Midlands Status: Scattered colonies throughout the region, range stable. Population trend 10 years – decreasing but transects are not a reliable way of monitoring this butterfly.
Hotspots: Anywhere with oak Quercus spp. trees. Wyre Forest and Monkwood often have good numbers. Sites: Highgate Common, Monkwood
Habitat: Woodlands, parks, hedges and gardens. An individual oak tree can support a colony. Spends most of the time in the tree canopy.
Flight Period: Late June to end August
Wingspan: 31–38 mm, unusually males slightly larger than females.

Caterpillar Food Plant – The main foodplants are Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) and Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris). Evergreen Oak (Quercus ilex) is also used.

Life Cycle: