Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

The Green Hairstreak is a small, jewel-toned butterfly that’s easy to overlook—until sunlight catches its vivid emerald green underwings. It’s the only green butterfly species found in much of Europe and Asia and is a harbinger of spring in many habitats.

🟢 Identification & Appearance

• Wingspan: 25–30 mm (1–1.2 inches)
• Coloration:
  • Underside: Bright green, often with faint white streaks or dots.
  • Upperside: Brown, but almost never seen as the butterfly always rests with wings closed.
  • Small tail-like extensions (hairstreaks) are usually present, though subtle.
• Shape: Compact with a slightly angular hindwing.

🌍 Distribution & Habitat

• Found throughout Europe, North Africa, and across temperate Asia to Siberia.
• Prefers sunny, open habitats:
  • Heathlands, scrub, grasslands, chalk downlands, woodland clearings, and cliffs.
• Altitude range: From sea level to alpine zones.

🌱 Life Cycle & Host Plants

• Flight period: April to June (may vary slightly with region).
• Broods: Typically one generation per year.
• Eggs: Laid singly on flower buds of host plants.
• Caterpillars feed on a variety of plants, depending on location, including:
  • Gorse, broom, bilberry, bird’s-foot trefoil, buckthorn, and bramble.
• Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter, where it overwinters as a chrysalis.

🐛 Behavior & Ecology

• Males are territorial and often perch on prominent twigs or shrubs.
• Adults feed on nectar from flowers, including buttercups, violets, dandelions, and bluebells.
• Their green coloration provides perfect camouflage among leaves.
• Flight style: Rapid and slightly jerky, low to the ground.

⚠️ Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern
• Still locally common, but vulnerable to:
  • Habitat destruction
  • Overgrazing
  • Scrub clearance and development
• Conservation efforts often involve maintaining mosaic habitats with scrub and wild plants.

🌟 Interesting Facts

• The green color is due to light interference from microscopic scales, not green pigment.
• Despite being widespread, it’s often under-recorded due to its cryptic coloring.
• In some folklore, spotting a green butterfly early in the year was seen as a sign of good luck.

🧭 Summary

The Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) is a shimmering green gem of spring, small in size but rich in character. With a wide range across Europe and Asia, it thrives in open, sunny spots with diverse vegetation. Though not endangered, its presence reflects the health of wild habitats, making it a butterfly of ecological significance.

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