- Lifespan
- Approximately 2 weeks as adults in the wild
- Size & Weight
- Wingspan 28–32 mm
- Habitat
- Woodland edges, clearings, and scrubland where oak trees are present, particularly in the southern half of Britain.
- UK Distribution
- Found primarily in southern England and Wales, with populations extending into the Midlands; resident species with single annual generation.
- Diet
- Caterpillars feed on the leaves of oak trees, particularly pedunculate and sessile oak; adults feed on honeydew produced by aphids on oak foliage.
- Predators
- Birds, spiders, and parasitic wasps targeting caterpillars and pupae.
- Mating Season
- July to August
- Breeding
- Females lay single eggs on oak twigs in late summer; caterpillars overwinter and pupate in spring; single brood per year.
- Behaviour
- Males are highly territorial and engage in rapid, erratic flight patterns, often perching on oak foliage with wings closed to display diagnostic purple iridescence on hindwings. Females are less conspicuous and spend more time on the wing searching for suitable oak host plants. Adults rarely visit flowers, preferring to feed on honeydew.