Green Hairstreak



Green wings are a rarity amongst our native British butterflies. If it has green underwings, then it is a green hairstreak (callophrys rubi). The adults are extremely well camouflaged when resting and fairly anonymous, small brown and quite moth-like when flying. This is a butterfly that you usually spot as it lands. But keep your eyes on it as it can quickly disappear amongst any bright green young leaves.



The butterfly always folds it's wings tightly even when taking the sun. It then leans over and angles itself to the sun to soak up the heat. This pose can be seen in the above photo (a rather worn female with tears in her wings probably caused by thorn bush damage).

It is a very territorial insect, perching on vantage points to see off strangers in short bursts of energetic flight. In the photo below you can almost feel the aggression in the pose.

Comments

PeterD said…
Another good set of images and narrative. The presentation style you have chosen is very good and has that 'personal' touch. Inclusion of the worn female just adds value as this is what we tend to see most of the time - unless we are particualerly lucky!

Look foreward to future updates.

PeterD
21 May 2008 at 02:53
Pictures from Art Frames said…
Peter

Thank you. I look forward to you launching your blog. I have visited the empty page. You have a lot to share.

Go for it.

Peter
21 May 2008 at 11:42
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