Willesley Wood

[Butterfly Gardener]

I have visited this site a couple of times over the last 2 years in hope of finding purple hairstreaks but have been unsuccessful. Has anyone seen them there or am I just chasing ghosts? Any tips on whereabouts on the site I should be looking?

[Butterfly Gardener]

Does anyone even know where I am talking about? Near Ashby-de-la-zouch.

[Michaeljf]

Sorry, I couldn't comment, but the link to the woods on the UKB sites guide does state about the Purple Hairstreak being there.

Also see below a link to woodland trust website to confirm destination etc.

I think you might be a bit late in the season for Purple Hairstreaks now either way?

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/sites_ng ... pecies=All

http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/our- ... ?wood=4477

Michael

[Butterfly Gardener]

I thought they fly as late as September.

[David M]

I thought they fly as late as September.

Most butterflies' flight times have been advanced somewhat this year due to the unseasonably warm spring. Normally, female Brown Hairstreaks aren't seen till August but this year they were out in July, whilst Black Hairstreak peaked around 5th June (normally nearer to midsummer's day).

I'd be very surprised if you see any Purple Hairstreaks in the south of the country now.

[Michaeljf]

I thought they fly as late as September.

It certainly is possible that they are still about (I saw one in my own area in Cardiff towards the end of last week) and the fact that you are northerly could mean your emergence times would be later but the problem would be they are (a) past their peak, which means (b) fewer numbers of Hairstreaks, and therefore, more difficult to find. And David is right, everything is earlier this year.
Michael

[Butterfly Gardener]

Thanks for the help. I wanted to go earlier this month but other things got in the way as usual