Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi
Habitat
It 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
It 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 variety of plants including Gorse, Bilberry, Broom and Dyer's Greenwood.
Green Hairstreak Distribution Map 2006
| Recorded squares: | 26 in 2006 24 in 2005 |
|---|---|
| Earliest record: | 29 April 2006 Dave Mallon Chunal, Derbys |
| Highest count: | 31 4 June 2006 R.N.H.S. Clipsham Quarry |
| Latest record: | 29 June 2006 Peter Stannard Coombs Dale, Derbys |
Green Hairstreak Distribution Map 2007
| Recorded squares: | 22 in 2007 37 in 2006 |
|---|---|
| Earliest record: | 6 April Darren Clarke Coombs Dale, Derbys |
| Highest count: | 30+ 28 April Darren Clarke Slagmill Plantation, Beeley Moor, Derbys |
| Latest record: | 31 July Paul Townsend Coombs Dale, Derbys |
Green Hairstreak Distribution Map 2008
| Recorded squares: | 12 in 2008 22 in 2007 |
|---|---|
| Earliest record: | 26 April Frank Bell Lantern Pike, Derbys Dave Mallon Chunal, Derbys |
| Highest count: | 10+ 9 May Phil Gilbert Chunal, Derbys 22 May MG Archer Snake Pass, Derbys |
| Latest record: | 15 June Paul Townsend Coombs Dale, Derbys |
Photos
Green Hairstreak - © Simon Jenkins
Green Hairstreak - © Christine Maughan