Description
the underwings are brown, with a white w-shaped streak, an orange edge and small tails. the black hairstreak is similar, but has a row of black spots on the hindwing. the white-letter hairstreak has the erratic, spiralling flight typical of hairstreaks. it is difficult to spot, as it flies around the tops of trees, particularly elms. it occasionally comes down to ground level to nectar on flowers, especially privet and bramble. the species declined in the 1970s when its foodplants were reduced by dutch elm disease, but it is recovering in a few areas.
Habitat
The butterfly breeds where elms occur in sheltered hedgerows, mixed scrub and on the edges of woodland rides. The butterfly can also be found on large isolated elms.
Countries
Countries: England and Wales
Wing span range
0mm
