It has been a poor year for White-letter Hairstreaks at Bedford Purlieus, I think only a handful have been reported and up until today I had not seen one, despite my numerous visits. That was to change with the sighting of two rather tatty individuals, with one of these quite literally falling out of an oak tree and landing on some wild thyme right in front of me.
The poor creatures look decidedly worse for wear and I don't think they will last much longer, in fact, after the thunder storm that was experienced this evening I fear that they are no longer with us.
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| The three photos above show the individual that fell out of the oak tree |
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| This is obviously a different butterfly as seen by the hindwing being in a slightly better state. |
A small butterfly with a wingspan of 35mm and a fairly short flight period, with individuals normally appearing from July until mid-August. It normally feeds high in the tree canopy on honey dew, although it sometimes feeds on flowers and thistles. It is the darkest and 'plainest' of the Hairstreaks, although the uppersides of the wings are never seen as it always feeds and rests with its wings closed. This butterfly is identified by the conspicuous white 'W' on the hindwing underside.
Thanks, John. It must be tough being a butterfly this summer with the constant downpours.
ReplyDeleteIt must be indeed John. Every time there is a heavy shower I fear for all the flutters out there, but they do seem to have a away of surviving, at least some of the time.
DeleteJ
Hi John, You have me rather confused because I know the White-letter Hairstreak is never found far from its host tree the Elm but you say this one fell out of an Oak which led me to think it may have actually been a Purple Hairstreak however, I think (and I'm no expert) yours does look like a White-letter so could you have mistaken the tree? Or could it in fact be a Purple? My best guess is you may have mistaken the tree but I am thoroughly intrigued now!! Anyway, whichever it is it's a great find and you got some good photos :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Jan,
DeleteNo, it was definitely an oak tree that I was stood under, I was perhaps using poetic license when I said that it fell out of the tree, but Bedford Purlieus is a mixed woodland with oak, elm, birch and ash all present (plus others) which is why it is so good for butterflies. The butterfly probably came from a nearby elm and just looked to have fallen from the oak. Purple Hairstreaks are also found up there, indeed I saw one a few weeks ago, but this individual is definitely a White-letter as you can see the 'W' on its tatty hindwing, a distinguishing feature of the butterfly.
I hope that clears it up for you and thank you as ever. :)
J
This poor guy does look quite tattered; still is beautiful though:)
ReplyDeleteYes, I fear that they may no longer be with us, but you never know Tammy!
DeleteJ
That's another one I've never seen before John.
ReplyDeleteGreat find.
They're all having a real tough time at the moment.
Thanks Keith, yes, all insects are having a pretty torrid time at the moment, they just need heat and we aren't getting any! :(
DeleteJ
Thanks for that John. I do hope you didn't think I was being picky, I really didn't mean to be, I was just genuinely intrigued with them both being so similar. Bedford Purlieus sounds like a great place to visit...too far for me unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan,
DeleteNo, not at all. Bedford Purlieus is indeed a great place to visit for flutters and it's not too bad for birds either!
J