Green Hairstreak DSC_1277
Green Hairstreak / callophrys rubi. Stanton Sidings, Derbys. 21/05/14.
Although Green Hairstreaks had been recorded at my local brownfield site, they had always eluded me. Then in May, 2014 I came across two, (possibly three) pristine individuals. They were in a small clearing amid hawthorns and bramble, where a profusion of Forget-Me-Nots grew in the grasses. The flowers were the butterflies target and I watched them flit between plants, busily nectaring. When not feeding, they would perch on a flowerhead or bramble leaf, tilt their body towards the sun and sunbathe.
Whilst wonderful to finally catch up with GH on home turf, six summers have passed since then. Sadly, in that time, I've only come across one more.
Green Hairstreak DSC_1277
Green Hairstreak / callophrys rubi. Stanton Sidings, Derbys. 21/05/14.
Although Green Hairstreaks had been recorded at my local brownfield site, they had always eluded me. Then in May, 2014 I came across two, (possibly three) pristine individuals. They were in a small clearing amid hawthorns and bramble, where a profusion of Forget-Me-Nots grew in the grasses. The flowers were the butterflies target and I watched them flit between plants, busily nectaring. When not feeding, they would perch on a flowerhead or bramble leaf, tilt their body towards the sun and sunbathe.
Whilst wonderful to finally catch up with GH on home turf, six summers have passed since then. Sadly, in that time, I've only come across one more.