Small green butterfly or moth (no photo)

[Pete Collins]

On Wednesday (29th April) I almost trod on a very small green butterfly or moth. It flew off before I could photograph or identify it. It was small (like a Common Blue butterfly or maybe smaller), lightish green (almost metallic, I thought), and had its wings folded vertically like a butterfly. It was on a path round a chalk quarry, the path being grassy but with bare patches of chalky soil, and was next to a wood.

Any suggestions as to its ID, please? Thanks.

[eucera]

Check out Green Hairstreak

[Pete Collins]

Thanks very much eucera, that looks a perfect match!

I know it's quite common, but it's the first time I've seen one.

[Dogghound]

Its probrably the most common hairstreak in the UK and very widespread. We get them here on Moorland and in plantation forestry, but its also found on heaths and chalk grassland.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Its probrably the most common hairstreak in the UK and very widespread. We get them here on Moorland and in plantation forestry, but its also found on heaths and chalk grassland.

Possibly the most common nationally; but certainly in the south-east Purple Hairstreak is far more common + widespread.

[Pete Collins]

I've never (knowingly) seen ANY hairstreak before - now I know what they are, I'll keep an eye out for them.