The green hairstreak is butterfly of the year 2020
The Green Hairstreak is a butterfly belonging to the group of diurnal butterflies.
Green and blue at the same time
The Green Hairstreak, also known as the Bramble Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi), is a diurnal butterfly belonging to the family Lycaenidae. It was chosen as Butterfly of the Year 2020 by the Association of Rhenish-Westphalian Lepidopterologists and the BUND NRW Nature Conservation Foundation. This small butterfly is very widespread and can be found across North Africa and Europe as far east as Siberia.
With its shimmering green undersides, the Green Hairstreak is almost unmistakable and perfectly camouflaged when resting on leaves. However, its relatively small size and wingspan of only 25 mm also mean that it can easily be overlooked. Its brown upper wings are rarely seen, as the butterfly usually keeps its wings closed when at rest.
Early to appear and unfussy
The main flight period of the Green Hairstreak is from March until June or, at the latest, July. The Green Hairstreak is also univoltine, meaning that it produces only one generation per year.
The Green Hairstreak is mainly found in open, relatively dry and warm habitats, where it rests on the leaves of bushes, hedges, and shrubs, among which it is well camouflaged.
Although this small green butterfly and its caterpillars are quite undemanding when it comes to habitat and food sources, the species is included on Germany’s early warning list of threatened animals, as its populations have already declined in many regions of Germany, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia.