Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)
Family: Lycaenidae Checklist: 61.005
Description
Wing span: 28-33 mm. This species is unique among British butterflies in having vivid green coloration. It is the underside of the wings that are green, but as this butterfly always perches with its wings closed, the green underwings blend perfectly with the fresh green leaves of spring. The sexes are similar. It is found throughout most of Britain. It can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including hillsides, moorland, chalk downland, heathland, railway embankments and valley bottoms. Life Cycle
There is one brood per year, with adults being on the wing between mid-April and mid-June. It over-winters as a pupa.
Earliest UTB first sighting (since 2004): 29th March
Mean UTB first sighting (since 2004): 13th April
Larval Foodplants
This species has the widest range of larval food plants of any British butterfly, which includes Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Broom (Cytisus scoparius), Common Rock-rose (Helianthemum nummularium), Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), Bramble (Rubus fruticosus) and Gorse (Ulex europaeus).Nectar Sources
Adults feed primarily on Bird's-foot Trefoil, Honeydew, Sap and Privet.UK Conservation Status
Least ConcernSpecies Champions
Ben Paternoster & Andy SpraggEmail: green-hairstreak@upperthames-butterflies.upperthames-butterflies.org.uk
Reports
Sites
This species is a habitat specialist. It can be found at these sites:Berkshire (VC22)
Buckinghamshire (VC24)
Oxfordshire (VC23)
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