Green Hairstreak
Callophrys rubi
This record describes Callophrys rubi (species). Recorded family: Lycaenidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
An unmistakeable small, bright metallic green butterfly. Always settles with wings closed, showing green, and resembling the bright green spring foliage, providing excellent camouflage. Male and female are similar in appearance. Grassland habitats nectaring on Thistles and Knapweed. This butterfly can be found throughout the British Isles, especially in coastal areas, but is local in distribution.
Wikipedia reference for Callophrys rubi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callophrys rubi.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Papilionoidea
- Family
- Lycaenidae (Gossamer-winged Butterflies)
- Subfamily
- Theclinae
- Tribe
- Eumaeini
- Genus
- Callophrys (Green Hairstreaks)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland habitats nectaring on Thistles and Knapweed.
Seasonal Activity
April to July
Diet and Behavior
Life History
There is one generation each year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This butterfly can be found throughout the British Isles, especially in coastal areas, but is local in distribution.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Callophrys rubi. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Green Hairstreak (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Hairstreak
What is Green Hairstreak?
Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) is a species in the family Lycaenidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Green Hairstreak found?
Habitat: Grassland habitats nectaring on Thistles and Knapweed.
When is Green Hairstreak active?
Green Hairstreak: seasonal activity - April to July.
What is the life cycle of a Green Hairstreak?
There is one generation each year.