Satyrium w-album
Wingspan 25 - 35mm
Description
Named after the thin white line resembling a "w" which is visible on the underside of the hindwing. This is the smallest hairstreak and can be the most elusive. The butterfly always feeds and rests with its wings closed. The bottom edges of the hindwings are orange, lined with black that extends to the tail.
Flight Period
Late June – mid-August
Larval food plants
English Elm (Ulmus procera)
Small-leaved Elm (Ulmus minor)
Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra)
Habitat
Woodland edges, rides and roadside verges where the food-plant is present.
Status
Resident, scarce, very local but widespread
Earliest Sightings
Earliest county record 14th June 2011 Bentley Wood (David Lambert)
Latest county record
31st August 1986