(Linnaeus, 1758)
Brown Hairstreak
Description:
The Brown Hairstreak occurs in scrub, along woodbanks at the edge of deciduous woodland, and in parks, but the butterfly is rarely seen. However, the eggs that are laid at the base of the buds of various Prunus species are easy to find. In the winter the pearly-white eggs show up on the bare twigs of the shrubs or trees.
The egg, thus, hibernates, hatching in the spring. The small caterpillar bores its way into a bud, hollowing it out, later on also eating the leaves of the food plant. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) is often used, but also cultivated species of Prunus, such as plum and cherry trees. The caterpillars pupate in the shrub layer under the tree serving as food plant
This butterfly species is single-brooded.
Habitat:
Tree lines and hedges
Mixed woodland
Urban parks and gardens
Deciduous forests
Similar species:
Unmistakable