Butterfly for ID - Silver Studded Blue?

[Cheryl]

Unfortunately I could only get the underside - but when it flew off the wings seemed to be a deep blue.

i've never seen this butterfly before so any help would be appreciated - i'm wondering whether it is a Silver Studded Blue?

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi

Purple Haistreak - Quercusia quercus

neil

[Wild-Woman]

Definitely a Purple Hairstreak. Probably just emerged if it was low to the ground.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Definitely a Purple Hairstreak. Probably just emerged if it was low to the ground.

They not infrequently come to the ground for salts/moisture especially if there isn't much honeydew. I also occasionally see them nectaring on brambles/thistles.

[Cheryl]

Thanks everyone

It was on the ground - it was quite breezy today and the butterflies in the park were all flying low down.

Because we get a lot of Holly Blues here I assumed it was something similar - I didn't even look at the Hairstreaks in my book!!

I'm not sure if it's common around here - but it was the first one I've ever seen - I shall be looking out for them from now on

[wildlifesnapper]

Originally Posted by wildlifesnapper

Hi

Purple Haistreak

seems my fingers wouldn't do as my head was telling them again

Wondered why it didn't turn blue!

neil

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Cheryl

Thanks everyone

It was on the ground - it was quite breezy today and the butterflies in the park were all flying low down.

Because we get a lot of Holly Blues here I assumed it was something similar - I didn't even look at the Hairstreaks in my book!!

I'm not sure if it's common around here - but it was the first one I've ever seen - I shall be looking out for them from now on

They're not uncommon, but easily overlooked as they do spend a lot of their time in the tree tops. Late afternoon/early evening is a good time to see them, but can be seen any time of the day if it's warm enough.

[ChrisJB]

This is a species I have never had a good view of. Definitely a frustrating species for me. All I have seen is a silvery flash in the tops of oak trees.

Regards, Chris