Attenborough Nature Reserve

Butterflies


Purple Hairstreak (Quercusia quercus)

This species was first recorded on the reserve in 2004.
Both male and female butterflies have a metallic purple sheen to the upperwing with a grey background to the underwing with a white transverse line. The flight period is from July to August and the larval food plant is mainly Oak but occasionally Ash. The species is found mainly in woodlands.

Purple Hairstreak femalePurple Hairstreak
Female Purple Hairstreak                               Male Purple Hairstreak