Hairstreaks

Finally caught up with the Brown Hairstreaks at Steyning today - headed up nice and early (around 9am) and saw a good number of active butterflies high in the treetops, including a pair dogfighting; however, I later discovered 11:15 - 2 is the best time to see them low down so appears I probably peaked a bit too early! Nonetheless I hung around and meet up with Neil and the group he was leading at 10:45. Within 20 minutes or so, someone had spotted one low down, although with half a wing missing, then another, and another. The latter one posing obiliging (and egglaying) for the mass of butterfly enthusiasts who had descending on this small patch of Sussex Countryside in the hope of glimpsing this special little creature. Went home pleased although a splitting headache put a dampner on the rest of the day!


Yesterday (20th August) at Windover Hill, no Grayling despite my best efforts to turn any of the numerous Meadow Browns into one(!); however, a handful of very worn Chalkhill Blues, One Red Admiral and one Silver-spotted Skipper was some compensate.

At Exceat Farmhouse, one Comma and one Holly Blue in the car park.

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Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae