Which Hairstreaks are about at the moment?

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by RobinP

Totternhoe Knolls is good for Small blue, at least it was last week, on the main track towards the highest point, look out for them on the right of the path competing with Common Blue and Dingy Skipper. Also got Green Harestreak in the quarry area.

I haven't been to this site yet- are there still Duke of Burgundies there?

[RobinP]

Not sure, last report from the Beds & Northants butterfly conservation site was on the 23rd May, but it's still a great place to visit, the orchids should be appearing now.

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by Susie

Thanks Robin. I know there are sites very close to where I live, I just haven't seen any yet. Perhaps I need glasses.

BTW, Looks like your green hairstreak is on its last legs, Pete!

I thought there'd be some sites for Small Blue close to you, Susie, as I know you're not far from chalk areas. I rather envy where you live, as I remember you have numerous types of wildlife habitat and several good walking areas reasonably close at hand.

Yes, that Green Hairstreak looks a bit tattered. I saw another one there, but looking at the photo, it isn't much better!

Originally Posted by RobinP

Totternhoe Knolls is good for Small blue, at least it was last week, on the main track towards the highest point, look out for them on the right of the path competing with Common Blue and Dingy Skipper. Also got Green Harestreak in the quarry area.

Thanks Robin. I've not been to Totternhoe Knolls this year (well, not for wildlife, I've walked past it a couple of times) but I must go again soon - maybe today if I get time, it's about the right time for the Man Orchids which I've seen there the last two years.

And aeshna5, a quick google showed up a photo of a Duke of Burgundy taken at the quarry on 30th May last year, if that helps answer your question. I'll look out for them when I go!

[Susie]

I think you did well to find the Green Hairstreaks, Pete, and even when a bit battered they are still great to see. I have seen really good numbers of them this year but they have all gone now.

I am certainly spoilt when it comes to richness and diversity of habitat around here, I must admit.

[Susie]

Here's a couple from a few weeks ago.





Green hairstreaks are our only truly green butterfly and they get their iridescent colour from the refraction of light through a tiny network of closely packed cubes within each scale.

[Pete Collins]

Lovely photos, Susie - those Hairstreaks are in much better condition than the ones I saw! The iridescent green really is amazing.

[rogpow]

Originally Posted by RobinP

Totternhoe Knolls is good for Small blue, at least it was last week, on the main track towards the highest point, look out for them on the right of the path competing with Common Blue and Dingy Skipper. Also got Green Harestreak in the quarry area.

The mention of Totternhoe Knolls just brought back nightmare memories of cross country runs from Dunstable Grammar School.
I think I need a lie down to recover!

Lovely part of the world though (apart from being too far from the sea)

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by rogpow

The mention of Totternhoe Knolls just brought back nightmare memories of cross country runs from Dunstable Grammar School.
I think I need a lie down to recover!

Lovely part of the world though (apart from being too far from the sea)

As you know, rogpow, I went to the same school - but I always got out of the cross-country because of my asthma (didn't stop me playing soccer all lunch-time, though - which really annoyed the games teacher!).

Originally Posted by RobinP

Totternhoe Knolls is good for Small blue, at least it was last week, on the main track towards the highest point, look out for them on the right of the path competing with Common Blue and Dingy Skipper. Also got Green Harestreak in the quarry area.

This afternoon I missed out the Knolls and just went to the quarry (I wanted to see the Man Orchids - I not only found them where I've seen them before, but found another spot for them too). There were lots of Small Blue, like you say with Common Blue and Dingy Skipper.

This Small Blue (female I assume) really does look tatty, poor thing!

Dingy Skippers

[ivinghoe]

Totternhoe was where I saw the green hairstreaks too Pete. I was actually looking for the man orchids but got distracted by the butterflies
Loads of common twayblades out though.
I talked to a passerby up there last weds and he said the dukes had been showing up there from April 29th this year. I think I saw one on weds but none yesterday (sat) so they are tailing off now.

[Pete Collins]

Yes, I saw lots of Common Twayblade too. Bit too early for the other orchids, though I did see one Common Spotted Orchid starting to flower.

If you didn't find the Man Orchids, I can PM you with a location if you want it.