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Hairstreak ID?

Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 6:18 pm
by James M
Hello All! A bit of excitment on my part in the garden just now with this little visitor. I guessed it was a White-letter Hairstreak, but would like some help from you guys in IDing it. I've never seen any Hairstreak species in this area before, so I was pretty chuffed :D
Sorry for the quality, taken with my phone!
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Re: Hairstreak ID?

Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 6:39 pm
by Neil Hulme
Hi James,
Yes, that's a White-letter Hairstreak. You are lucky to get this species as a garden visitor. There must be some elm in the vicinity.
BWs, Neil

Re: Hairstreak ID?

Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 6:48 pm
by James M
Thanks Neil! I will look out for Elm trees as I haven't seen any round here at all, so I didn't think it would be possible we would get this species!

Re: Hairstreak ID?

Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 7:39 pm
by jasonbirder
White-letter...even if the white line is faded and the "W" isn't clear the White-letter lacks the row of black spots along the trailing edge of the hindwing that a Black Hairstreak would have...

Re: Hairstreak ID?

Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 8:43 pm
by David M
Never seen one on a buddleia before so well done!