GREEN HAIRSTREAK

WHILE butterflies tend to have beautifully patterned upperwings, with undersides that can be rather plain, this species is quite the opposite.

The green hairstreak has brown upper-wings, but you seldom see these as it only settles with its wings closed. However, the underside is dazzling. When this delicate little butterfly lands it becomes a precious sliver of gleaming metallic green.

We have five species of hairstreak butterfly, and some are rare or elusive. However, the green hairstreak is fairly widespread. It can be seen in May and June and favours warm, sheltered sites across a range of habitats, including heathland, moorland and grassland with patches of scrub.

Fortunately, this little butterfly can be relatively easy to approach, offering close-up views of its striking green colouring. Quite stunning.