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Sussex Butterfly Report 2004 : The Hairstreaks

The Green Hairstreak was recorded from 39 squares, 17 more than in 2003. By no means confined to the downs, although more abundant there, Green Hairstreaks flew for about six weeks from the beginning of May.

The Brown Hairstreak was recorded from 32 squares. Compared with 2003, it was present in 20 new squares but unrecorded from 9 old squares. It is still only recorded from West Sussex. The distribution map owes much to the egg hunting activities of Joyce and Peter Gay. The brief flight period lasted from late August to early September.

The Purple Hairstreak was recorded from 28 squares. Compared with 2003, it was present in 18 new squares but unrecorded from 10 old squares. The flight period lasted from late June, peaking in mid-July and ending in mid-August.

The White-letter Hairstreak was recorded from just 6 squares, all new and all coastal. It is probably under-recorded even though it is now breeding on young elm suckers.