Purple Hairstreak

National Status

Mainly a butterfly of southern England but also found in parts of Wales and Scotland, range expanding. Population trend 10 years to 2016 -10%; since 1976 -54%.

West Midlands Status

Scattered colonies throughout the region, range stable. Population trend 10 years to 2016 – decreasing but transects are not a reliable way of monitoring this butterfly.

Purple Hairstreak was recorded in 90 squares in 2026

See chart of distribution

10 Year Trend Analysis

Habitat

Woodlands, parks, hedges and gardens – anywhere with oak (Quercus spp.) trees. An individual oak tree can support a colony. Spends most of the time in the tree canopy.

Caterpillar Food Plant

The main foodplants are Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) and Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris). Evergreen Oak (Quercus ilex) is also used.