Green Hairstreak
ExploreInsects
Green Hairstreak
Callophrys rubi
The Green Hairstreak is a small butterfly with bright green wings. It loves to flutter around in sunny places, especially where there are flowers and bushes.
Habitat: Woodlands
Appearance
The Green Hairstreak has brilliant iridescent emerald green undersides, sharply contrasting with its plain brown uppersides. It's unique among hairstreaks for lacking the typical 'hairstreak' tail on its hindwings.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusCallophrys
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Caterpillars often trick ants into protecting them with sugary secretions!
Despite its name, it actually has no tiny 'hairstreak' tails on its hindwings!
It's one of the earliest butterflies to emerge, often seen in early spring!
Its stunning green color comes from microscopic scales that reflect light!
Special abilities
Ability
Disappearing Act
Green Hairstreak can vanish into foliage because its emerald green wings blend perfectly with leaves, helping it hide from predators.
Ability
Sun Seeker
Green Hairstreak has dark bodies that help them absorb sunlight efficiently, allowing them to warm up quickly and fly on cool spring days.
Ability
Camouflage Egg
Green Hairstreak can lay tiny eggs camouflaged to look like flower buds, protecting them from hungry birds and insects.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-35 mm
- Size
- 15-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on leaves and buds.
Age differences: Caterpillars eat plant leaves and buds, while adult butterflies feed on flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Gorse leaves
- Bramble leaves
- Bird's-foot Trefoil
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Bramble
Rubus fruticosus
Caterpillars feed on its leaves.
eaten by
Gorse
Ulex europaeus
Caterpillars munch on its flowers and buds.
pollinates
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Bird's-foot Trefoil
Lotus corniculatus
Adult butterflies help spread its pollen.
symbiotic with
Red Wood Ant
Formica rufa
Ants protect caterpillars for sugary honeydew.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Butterflies are gentle and safe to watch, but remember not to catch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Green Hairstreak's wingspan?
25-35 mm
How big is Green Hairstreak?
15-25 mm
How long does Green Hairstreak live?
7-14 days
How fast can Green Hairstreak fly?
10 km/h
What does Green Hairstreak eat?
Adults sip nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on leaves and buds.
Where is Green Hairstreak usually found?
Woodlands
How does Green Hairstreak hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Green Hairstreak have?
6
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