Purple Hairstreak
Favonius quercusThe Purple Hairstreak is a canopy-dwelling butterfly, most often found high in Oak trees where it feeds on aphid honeydew. Their shimmering purple upperwings are rarely seen, but when they do open their wings they reveal a flash of striking colour. From below, they appear silver-grey with orange spots and tail-like markings that can mislead predators into attacking the wrong end. Though found across much of the UK in woodlands, hedgerows and parks, they are often difficult to spot due to their treetop lifestyle.
An elusive beauty, high up in the canopies
The tails and spots on the Purple Hairstreak make it look like the butterfly’s head is at the back – this is a misdirection technique to encourage predators to go for the wings and not their actual head.
They spend almost all of their life high in Oak canopies where they feed on honeydew from aphids, but they will occasionally come down to the ground in search of nectar or a drink.
The males can get quite feisty, which often leads to aerial skirmishes.
Purple Hairstreaks can be seen across a range of environments, from woodlands and hedgerows, to parks and urban areas.
You’re most likely to spot them in the evening when they are particularly active. While you can see them across most of the UK, they’re less widespread in Wales, Northern Ireland and northern Scotland.
Vibes
Each butterfly is scored out of 100 across a set of traits, from how bold and visible it is to how far it travels or how particular it is about where it lives. These scores compare each species with the other butterflies in Britain, helping you see their differences at a glance. Here’s what makes the Purple Hairstreak special.
Bright colours, bold patterns, and a love of the spotlight. Some butterflies just can’t help showing off.
Fast, or throwing some seriously impressive moves, these butterflies are in a flutter.
Always on guard, ready to hide or defend - these butterflies have self-preservation down to an art.
It’s ok to be a little… well, weird. These butterflies have been certified with the freak factor.
Like Goldilocks, everything has to be just right for these perfectionists.
Hard to spot and even harder to forget, these butterflies are a true one of a kind.
Bold, curious, and ready to explore, these brave butterflies live for the thrill and aren’t afraid to travel.
Weather-resistant, battle-hardened, and built to survive, these butterflies know how to take it on the wing.
Purple Hairstreaks often look like their head is at the wrong end, tricking predators into attacking their wings instead.
Test your knowledge
Where do Purple Hairstreaks spend most of their time?Purple Hairstreaks live mainly high in oak tree canopies, making them difficult to observe up close.
Does the Purple Hairstreak get your vote?