Field guide · Denmark
Blues, coppers and hairstreaks · Denmark

Purple Hairstreak

Favonius quercus

Purple Hairstreak is common in Denmark. Wingspan: 30-35 mm. Adults are present in July-September, larvae in May-June. Found everywhere.

Status in this countryCommon in DenmarkLC (Least concern)
Purple Hairstreak

Flight period

Imago in July-September, larva in May-June.

Habitat

Found everywhere. The only condition is semi-large to large oak trees.

Identifying features

Wingspan: 30-35 mm. The upperside of the male's wings has a blue sheen and is bordered by black edges.

Similar species

If one only looks at the underside, an Quercus can, from a considerable distance, be easily confused with the relative Brown Hairstreak (T. betulae).

Distribution

F. quercus is widespread throughout almost Denmark, but is absent in a "smaller" area in Northwest Jutland and is rare in the southern part of Zealand.

Biology

F. quercus is rarely observed, as the species typically inhabits oak canopies.