Which Hairstreaks are about at the moment?

[Pete Collins]

This lunchtime I briefly spotted a very tiny butterfly in Huntingdon. It was far, far smaller than the several Common Blues that were about, and I suspect it was a Green Hairstreak (which I've seen once before). I just wondered whether any other Hairstreaks were flying at the moment, so I can check the photos in the Gallery. I work away from home during the week, so don't have any reference books to hand.

Thanks!

[Susie]

Green hairstreaks are the only ones at the moment as far as I am aware. Could it have been a small blue?

[Pete Collins]

Thanks Susie. Yes, looking at the photos in the Gallery Small Blue might be another possibility. I really only got the briefest glimpse of the underside of the wing, so I was really going by the size alone.

It was in an area I walk through when I have my lunchtime stroll, so I'll just have to look out and see if I can spot it again.

[Susie]

If you do happen to see it again perhaps make a note of what it is doing, Pete.

I only mention Small Blue because it is tiny, significantly smaller than a common blue whereas a green hairstreak is smaller but not hugely so.

Good luck and I hope you get to see it again

[PMG]

Holly Blues are pale blue but green hairstreaks are very green and land with the wings closed - always - so green side always shows - the chances of seeing the brown upper with wings akimbo must be very rare - or the insect is dead!

[ivinghoe]

I saw a green hairstreak yesterday pete, very close to your weekend base. Just pm me if you would like the info as I'm not too keen on posting locations openly
Al

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by ivinghoe

I saw a green hairstreak yesterday pete, very close to your weekend base. Just pm me if you would like the info as I'm not too keen on posting locations openly
Al

Thanks very much for that offer ivinghoe, but that won't be necessary now as by odd coincidence I managed to find and photograph a Green Hairstreak today - at Ivinghoe Beacon! If that's the sight you were thinking of, I hope you don't mind me mentioning it (I've organised a WAB meet there and at College Lake on 27th June, btw).



Going back to Susie's earlier posts, at College Lake I saw my first Small Blue too, so I've had quite a good day for butterflies.

[Susie]

You've done better than me, Pete, I've still to see small blue.

[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.

[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!