White-letter Hairstreak
Common NameWhite-letter Hairstreak
Scientific NameSatyrium w-album
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)34
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, orange
HabitatWoodland edges, hedgerows, parks, gardens, often near elm trees
Geographic RangeEurope (excluding northern Scandinavia and southern Mediterranean islands), temperate Asia to Japan
Host PlantsUlmus glabra, Ulmus procera, Ulmus pumila
Flight PeriodLate June to early August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesOverwinters as an egg laid on elm twigs. Larvae emerge in spring to feed on elm buds and leaves, pupating on the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic white W-shaped line on the underside of the hindwing, which is the most reliable identification feature. They also have small tails on the hindwings and are often found high in elm trees.
Description
A small, dark brown butterfly with a distinctive white W-shaped line on the underside of its hindwings, often accompanied by a row of small orange spots near the tail.
