Hairstreak

[flaxton]

Can anyone confirm that this is the White-letter hairstreak. In the book I have it is said to be confined to the south of the country and this was in North Yorks (it is an old book).



Thanks
Mal

[Deb London]

Looks good to me. UK butterflies is a good resource. The map suggests your find is not unreasonable:

UK Butterflies - White-letter Hairstreak - Satyrium w-album

The species is known to be elusive, well done!

[faz]

looks like the male to me

[GuyF]

looks like the male to me

I'd say it's a female because of those very long, twisty tails!
As Deb has said they are found in Yorkshire, although that's towards the northern edge of their range, it's still a very nice find though.
Guy

[Dogghound]

I agree Female WL Hairstreak.

This species is now becoming well established in North Yorkshire. It is just often overlooked and often occurs in hedgerows away from public footpaths. Did you find it around wych elm? They are heavily reliant on this species in North Yorkshire and tend to be quite sedentary.

[flaxton]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

I agree Female WL Hairstreak.

This species is now becoming well established in North Yorkshire. It is just often overlooked and often occurs in hedgerows away from public footpaths. Did you find it around wych elm? They are heavily reliant on this species in North Yorkshire and tend to be quite sedentary.

It was in the grounds of Duncombe Park near the river. I would need to visit the Trees section of WAB before I could answer your second question
Thanks folks (not sure I need its sex just pleased to come up with the right id).

Mal

[faz]

Originally Posted by GuyF

I'd say it's a female because of those very long, twisty tails!
As Deb has said they are found in Yorkshire, although that's towards the northern edge of their range, it's still a very nice find though.
Guy

i bow to your knowledge

[Miss Caretaker]

It's alright for some; I've never seen one in my life and there you are with her sitting on your finger! Life's so not fair

[Harry Eales]

Currently the distribution of the White-letter Hairstreak reaches northwards into South Northumberland. I've been seeing them regularly in this county for about seven years.

Books on insects are invariably well out of date in relation to the distribultion of the various even before they get into the shops.

Harry

[Michael A]

Found in Durham for at least 15 years that i know of.