Description
this handsome butterfly is widely distributed throughout southern areas wherever there are oak trees; even a solitary tree may support a colony. it is frequently overlooked as adults remain largely in the canopy where the main adult food source is honeydew; they fly more commonly in the evening of a warm summer's day. they are only driven down to seek fluid and nectar during prolonged drought, as occurred in 1995-6. there has been a recent increase in records and an extension of the range of this butterfly especially in the english midlands and south-west scotland, even in urban areas (including london) which may be related to improvements in atmospheric quality. white-letter hairstreak is similar but has w-shaped streak.
Habitat
Difficult to spot as it flies around the tops of Oak trees in woods, hedgerows and parks, including in urban areas.
Countries
Countries: England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland
Wing span range
0mm
