Purple Hairstreak
Common NamePurple Hairstreak
Scientific NameFavonius quercus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)33
Wing Patterniridescent
Primary Colorspurple, brown, grey, orange
HabitatOak woodlands, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, Asia Minor, Caucasus
Host PlantsQuercus robur, Quercus petraea, Quercus ilex
Flight PeriodLate June to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter on oak buds, larvae hatch in spring to feed on buds and young leaves. Pupation occurs in leaf litter or bark crevices. Single brood per year.
Identification TipsLook for the iridescent purple sheen on the upperside (especially males), the distinctive white streak and orange spots on the greyish-brown underside, and the small tail on the hindwing. Often seen high in oak canopies.
Description
A small butterfly with iridescent purple uppersides (more prominent in males) and greyish-brown undersides featuring a delicate white streak and small orange spots near the hindwing tails.
