White

This has been one of the most elusive butterflies to me. I've only seen one before but was so surprised at the time I didn't manage to get a picture. Most of the time they are in the top of Elm trees, but occasionally come down to nectar.

I've had various tip-offs as to where they'd been spotted in the district, and top of that list has been Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits LNR. For the past couple of years I've made a trip out, staked out the vicinity of Wych Elms and hoped for the best. No joy.  And today's story was much the same: a couple of hours at Ben Rhydding: Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Small Skipper, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral and  Comma, but no White Letter Hairstreak.

Having given up for another visit, I wandered along the road to Burley to explore Sun Lane NR. After a bit of a sit down by the pond, I thought I'd have  a quick look round the sunny patches under the trees, and what should I find but this solitary White Letter Hairstreak, nectaring away without a care in the world. And it hung around for pictures.

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Butterfly Journal 2017

27. 02/07/17 White Letter Hairstreak, Sun Lane LNR, Burley-in-Wharfedale (VC64)