www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Hi,

I've been rescuing eggs from piles of Oak brash thats due to be chipped at a local site and during the search I noticed that I was finding most eggs on very short twigs of around 3 inches or so. These were young growth coming off thicker woodier twigs. Is this just random or is there a reason for it? or am I talking total rubbish?

Regards
Matt

Hi Matt,

I've noticed a number of things about the positions where eggs are laid. The "pattern" seems to be:

- Branches that are sheltered and that receive full sunshine. So normally the southern side of a tree. Presumably to allow the caterpillar to live in relatively warm conditions.

- Branches whose buds are relatively large. I've found no eggs on large trees with small buds, and many eggs on small trees with large buds!

- There also appears to be a preference for solitary trees. Although I'm not sure why!

I'm not sure this answers your question though, and look forward to other responses!

Cheers,

- Pete

Thanks for the reply Pete. I agree about the pattern you detailed. You soon get a feel for the right places to look. I just wondered if there was anything specific about what I observed with lots of eggs found on the short stubby young twigs.

I did plan to go back to the site again today for more searching but the awful weather put me off!

Regards
Matt

Matt

I specialise in Brown Hairstreak egg searching rather than Purple. I am determined to improve my technique on Purple and have found Peter Kirby's website at http://www.quercus2.freeserve.co.uk/quercus2main.htm very useful. Peter spoke at the Upper Thames branch Members Day in 2005 and explained his approach and amazing results.

best wishes

Tom Dunbar