SALTWELLS local nature reserve

White-Letter Hairstreak

 

Although this elm-dependent butterfly has survived habitat loss due to Dutch Elm Disease, there is still concern about its continuing decline.

 

These elusive butteflies are readily identified by the white letter W on the underside of the wing. It is often difficult to distinguish between males and females although females generally have longer wing 'tails'. It tends to spend a lot of its time in tree canopies, occasionally taking nectar from nearby flowers, in particular creeping thistle and bramble, in the early morning or late afternoon.

 

Wingspan: 25-36mm

On the wing: mid-July to late August

Foodplant: elms

 

2015 earliest sighting - 25 July

2016 earliest sighting - 19 July