Green Hairstreak

(Callophrys rubi)

Click on any picture to view a larger version

The Green Hairstreak is the only truly-green British butterfly, and is therefore umistakeable. Its usual habitat is heathland, making its appearance on our grassland in May 2017 most unusual. We assumed it was "just passing through", possibly blown across from a heath-fire in nearby Southwold by the strong south-easterly wind prevailing at the time. These images are all of the same single individual observed - probably a male, as it was seen engaging in territorial defence "circling" with a passing Holly Blue. The dark-brown upper wings are rarely seen, as it always settles with wings firmly closed, but they do give it a brown appearance when in flight.
Remarkably, there was another sighting in 2019 but this was very brief - long enough to make a definite identification but not long enough to observe the individual closely. Interestingly, this was again in May - the peak flight period of this species. While twice in 2 years cannot be called "frequent", it does give hope we might see one again.