Purple Hairstreak. Photo: Rob Morrison

Rob sent in this photo telling us about his unexpected morning visitor:

I am pleased and somewhat surprised to report the first record of a Purple Hairstreak in this area for what may be many years.

Cath, my wife noted this small butterfly high up on the window at 08:00 today, 15th July 2025 and we were able to identify it as a Purple Hairstreak.

Despite having several mature oaks close by, I have looked for and not found this species locally before.  It may be of relevance that the wind has been quite strong from the south west and that this was the first night with a small overnight rain shower following on the recent third heatwave of this summer.

I have checked the relevant squares in the two recent butterfly atlases and seen no previous local record.