NATURE TABLE: The Holly Blue Butterfuly

The holly blue is a small but striking butterfly — with its wings open in a patch of sunlight it is an intense lilac colour. Females have distinct black tips to the front wings. 

They are unusual among Irish butterfly species in that they appear to be increasing in both numbers and range.

Once a rather uncommon woodland species they have been turning up in suitable hedgerows and gardens all over the country for the past 10 or 12 years. Some experts believe the increase is a response to climate change.