Brown Hairstreak (thecia betulae)
These little butterflies spend most of their time in the canopy where they feed on honeydew, the sugary deposits of aphids. This one had just emerged from the leaf litter, where it pupated. Resting in a blackthorn bush, one of the host plants, it is about to make its maiden flight, with the evening sun beckoning it on. Like many species of its type, it is found throughout the Palaearctic region, ie. Europe, north Africa and temperate Asia.
Many thanks for your comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Brown Hairstreak (thecia betulae)
These little butterflies spend most of their time in the canopy where they feed on honeydew, the sugary deposits of aphids. This one had just emerged from the leaf litter, where it pupated. Resting in a blackthorn bush, one of the host plants, it is about to make its maiden flight, with the evening sun beckoning it on. Like many species of its type, it is found throughout the Palaearctic region, ie. Europe, north Africa and temperate Asia.
Many thanks for your comments, which are greatly appreciated!