Deformed Purple Hairstreak egg ?

[downland boy]

Whilst checking for Purple Hairstreak eggs during the week, I came across this oddity. It was more-or-less cylindrical in form and laying on its side. Looking at its size, location and striations I am pretty sure that it is a deformed Purple Hairstreak egg, probably laid by an ageing and egg-bound female?
Any other suggestions gratefully received.


http://eastsussexwanderer.blogspot.co.uk

[bugboy]

Fascinating, I don't suppose you are able to post any higher resolution or tighter cropped pics so we can see more detail?

[downland boy]

Here is a closer cropped view.

[downland boy]

...and a bit closer.

[bugboy]

Thanks, a very intriguing thing. I'm not entirely convinced it is a Purple Hairstreak egg based on what I can see but having said that I can't think of any alternatives either