Purple hairstreak

The Purple Hairstreak (Quercusia quercus) is a captivating butterfly belonging to the Lycaenidae family, found in diverse regions including Europe, North Africa, Anatolia, the Caucasus, and Transcaucasia. Its caterpillars primarily feed on various species of oak trees.

This butterfly encompasses several subspecies, each exhibiting unique distributions. The male Purple Hairstreak is particularly striking with its iridescent blue sheen and narrow black border, while the female often displays a blue area near the base of her forewing. Both sexes feature a leaden-grey underside adorned with distinctive markings, facilitating easy identification for seasoned observers. The Purple Hairstreak is prevalent throughout Europe and Asia Minor.

In the British Isles, Purple Hairstreaks can be observed fluttering around oak trees during warm summer days. Males exhibit a glossy purple hue, while females have pronounced blue patches. They are commonly found in southern and central England and Wales, yet become less common towards central Scotland and Ireland. Their elusive nature often makes them challenging to record accurately.

The life cycle of the Purple Hairstreak includes laying eggs on oak buds in late summer. The caterpillars emerge in the spring, feeding on these buds. When ready to pupate, they do so either in the leaf litter or on the bark of the oak tree. The adult butterflies then emerge in July and August.