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Callophrys rubi - Green Hairstreak

Callophrys-rubi-green-hairstreak | PTKbutterflies
Callophrys-rubi-green-hairstreak | PTKbutterflies
Callophrys-rubi-green-hairstreak | PTKbutterflies
Callophrys-rubi-green-hairstreak | PTKbutterflies
Callophrys-rubi-green-hairstreak | PTKbutterflies

This is one of my favourite subjects for photography, appearing as it does relatively early in the season after the long winter break. One is eager to achieve a new butterfly photograph.

It also tends to be relatively well behaved for the photographer, often allowing a careful approach without spooking readily. 

I am fortunate to have a thriving moorland colony not far from my home, which throws up individuals of all the wide variation of white markings the species is capable of. 

It never settles with open wings, which is just as well, as the upperside is a drab dull brown. The underside green hue varies with the angle of view, but can be from bright grass, to emerald coloured. In my local habitat, the butterfly appears like a young Bilberry leaflet, and can be well camouflaged. In flight, they appear greyish, and are very easily lost to view. 

Callophrys-rubi-green-hairstreak | PTKbutterflies
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