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A few members recently have posted excellent images of Purple Hairstreaks showing off their iridescence. Please allow me to offer one of my own.

I spotted this female on the footpath at Broxbourne Wood on 30th June (just in time for last month's photo competition ) while I was searching for Purple Emperors. A grey triangle floated over my shoulder and at first I thought it was a leaf, but once it had landed its identity was obvious. She wandered around for a while very photogenically with her wings closed, then she stopped, orientated herself, and (much to my surprise) opened up. I had time to take a few shots before a breath of wind prompted her to close her wings and then take off, disappearing into the trees.

I'm not sure whether such sightings are once-in-a-lifetime experiences or not, but this was certainly my first.

Apologies if you've already seen this image (and thanks to those who rated it ) but for those who don't view the galleries, here it is:



Paul

Hi Paul,

I thought that was a great image when I first saw it in the June competition and I personally rated it in third place. Those sorts of opportunities are rare and I think you made the best of it...............Also, I wish I had taken it

Cheers,
Vince

Not yawn-inducing at all! A lucky moment that you managed to take advantage of and capture beautifully.

HI Paul,

what a stunning image! youv'e been able to capitalize on a brief moment with a wonderful species, capturing exposure, detail and accurate colour rendition to its full for the given chance encounter.
Thats not easy to do.
Its without a doubt one of the best representations of a female purple hairstreak ive come across and would be proud to have achieved it myself, as i guess the other members of this forum would.

Gary

I've never even seen a Purple Hairstreak with the sun bringing out the purple on both wings like that.

Yep I'm quite jealous of your encounter which has resulted in a stunning photo.

Thanks for sharing with us.

This is a cracking shot Paul, and i've not seen it previously. The only open-winged one i got this season (so far) was right down in the grass, so i'm dead jealous.

I agree - very very nice shot!

Cheers,

- Pete

Hi Paul,
it just makes me weep actually ...but well done. Considering the circumstances, you were lucky to get a shot at all, especiallly such a brilliant one.
I'm not sure it can be topped for an open-winged PH shot. No yawn would come near this shot at all...
Michael

That's arguably the best Purple Hairstreak shot I've seen and would be worthy of inclusion in any book.

I have to add my congrats too! That's a super shot of a lovely butterfly.

Guy

It's probably the best Purple Hairstreak shot I've ever seen and best of June 2011 as well (I didn't vote though). And it's definitely "book-worthy" (or at least Wikipedia upload-worthy).

Fresh imago + photographer's patience -> win.

P.S. I haven't seen this Hairstreak since cca 2000. (Okay, I'm re-observing butterflies since 08/2009)

I think you may be confusing a yawn with a gasp of admiration. This is the result of a very rare combination of a beautifully fresh female, a very rare appearance at ground level, and the (equally rare) presence of a photographer who could do it justice. This type of opportunity comes along so rarely that it is gratifying to see such a fabulous photo.

I last saw a Purple Hairstreak at Broxbourne a couple of years ago when a dragonfly took it in mid-air and the wings (all that was left) drifted gently to the ground, spotted by Liz Goodyear.

Cracking!

Wow. Thank you all for your very kind comments. They're much appreciated.

I'll keep my eyes peeled for a male PH next year.

Paul