Finding White-letter Hairstreak

Jason Claxton · #1 (**permalink**) 18-09-2009, 09:08 AM

Does anybody know at what age Elms become suitable for the breeding of White-letter Hairstreak?As the elm we mostly have in Southampton is from rootstock in old hedges.Are these smaller Elms worth watching to see them?Can I have confidence in finding them in this situation?Thanks Jason.

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 18-09-2009, 09:44 AM

Yes indeed. Smaller elms in hedgerows are fantastic for WL Hairstreaks. Particularly sheltered hedgerows alot of them are very dependant on this sort of habitat as mature elm trees can be quite hard to find (Well up here anyway). So these elm suckers (from rootstock) are important to them due to this lack of mature elm.

Jason Claxton · #3 (**permalink**) 18-09-2009, 09:54 AM

Thanks for that,I certainly have a lot of elm like that near me,it is encouraging to hear that it is suitable,probably not worth looking at this time of the year

.How easy is it to find the eggs,maybe that would be an option for me now.Cheers Jason

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 18-09-2009, 10:48 AM

Yes abit late for adults now. Early July is on average best however it may be different down there or depending on the weather could be early or late. Early mornings and late afternoons are good to see adults. Eggs are found on twigs and will be present at this time of year but they are very small and hard to find. Flying saucer shaped probrably best to look in sheltered positions when the elm has dropped its leaves.