{"id":253,"date":"2025-06-01T22:12:39","date_gmt":"2025-06-01T22:12:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/macrostock.eu\/?p=253"},"modified":"2025-06-01T22:12:39","modified_gmt":"2025-06-01T22:12:39","slug":"green-hairstreak-callophrys-rubi-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/macrostock.karits.eu\/index.php\/2025\/06\/01\/green-hairstreak-callophrys-rubi-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Download full size image<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi<\/em>)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Green Hairstreak<\/strong> is a small, jewel-toned butterfly that\u2019s easy to overlook\u2014until sunlight catches its vivid emerald green<\/strong> underwings. It’s the only green butterfly species<\/strong> found in much of Europe and Asia and is a harbinger of spring<\/strong> in many habitats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udfe2 Identification & Appearance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  • Wingspan<\/strong>: 25\u201330 mm (1\u20131.2 inches)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Coloration<\/strong>:\n
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    • Underside<\/strong>: Bright green<\/strong>, often with faint white streaks or dots.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Upperside<\/strong>: Brown, but almost never seen as the butterfly always rests with wings closed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Small tail-like extensions<\/strong> (hairstreaks) are usually present, though subtle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Shape<\/strong>: Compact with a slightly angular hindwing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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      \ud83c\udf0d Distribution & Habitat<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      • Found throughout Europe<\/strong>, North Africa, and across temperate Asia<\/strong> to Siberia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Prefers sunny, open habitats<\/strong>:\n
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        • Heathlands<\/strong>, scrub<\/strong>, grasslands<\/strong>, chalk downlands<\/strong>, woodland clearings<\/strong>, and cliffs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Altitude range: From sea level to alpine zones<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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          \ud83c\udf31 Life Cycle & Host Plants<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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          • Flight period<\/strong>: April to June<\/strong> (may vary slightly with region).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Broods<\/strong>: Typically one generation per year<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Eggs<\/strong>: Laid singly on flower buds of host plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Caterpillars feed on<\/strong> a variety of plants, depending on location, including:\n
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            • Gorse<\/strong>, broom<\/strong>, bilberry<\/strong>, bird\u2019s-foot trefoil<\/strong>, buckthorn<\/strong>, and bramble<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Pupation<\/strong> occurs in the soil or leaf litter, where it overwinters as a chrysalis<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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              \ud83d\udc1b Behavior & Ecology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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              • Males are territorial and often perch on prominent twigs or shrubs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Adults feed on nectar from flowers<\/strong>, including buttercups, violets, dandelions<\/strong>, and bluebells<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Their green coloration provides perfect camouflage<\/strong> among leaves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Flight style<\/strong>: Rapid and slightly jerky, low to the ground.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                \u26a0\ufe0f Conservation Status<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                • IUCN Red List<\/strong>: Least Concern<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Still locally common<\/strong>, but vulnerable to:\n
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                  • Habitat destruction<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Overgrazing<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Scrub clearance and development<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Conservation efforts often involve maintaining mosaic habitats<\/strong> with scrub and wild plants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                    \ud83c\udf1f Interesting Facts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                    • The green color is due to light interference<\/strong> from microscopic scales, not green pigment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Despite being widespread, it’s often under-recorded due to its cryptic coloring<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • In some folklore, spotting a green butterfly early in the year was seen as a sign of good luck<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                      \ud83e\udded Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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