Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi

Habitat

The Green Hairstreak is found in a wide range of habitats including moorland, disused quarries and railway lines, scrubby hillsides.and heathland. It requires warm open areas with some scrub and shelter from the wind.

Identification

The Green Hairstreak is the smallest of the hairstreaks and is the only British butterfly with a truly green underside. As the wings are always held closed when perched, it is unlikely to be confused with other species. The brown uppersides are rarely seen. Both sexes are similar in appearance, but behaviour is quite different. Males spend much of their time perched on vegetation defending their territory, whereas females are less conspicuous.

Flight times

Green Hairstreaks are single brooded and overwinter in the chrysalis stage so emerge quite early in late April. They remain on the wing until the end of June.

Food plants

Eggs are laid on a wide variety of plants, often associated with Gorse, Bilberry & Broom, but also various members of the pea family including Common Bird's-foot-trefoil.