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Flight time - When to find Green Hairstreaks
The flight time for the butterfly is usually given as May and June the dates for the last few years in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire (table 1) show that specimens can be found from April until July with one report in 2007 for late July. The species only has one brood per year (univoltine).
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Earliest |
Latest |
2005 |
24/4 |
23/6 |
2006 |
29/4 |
21/7 |
2007 |
6/4 |
3/6 (single record for 31/7) |
2008 |
26/4 |
15/6 |
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Table 1 C. rubi dates taken from DANES records for Derbyshire and Notts
Distribution in Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire
The butterfly is regarded as common across its very broad European range though its numbers are declining in some countries (Asher et al, 2001). In the UK it has been recorded across the country – particularly on Calcareous grassland in the South of England and moorland in the north. Closer to home it has been recorded in the Pennines (e.g. the moors at Chunel near Glossop) , limestone dales (e.g. Combes Dale near Stoney Middleton) and other areas of scrubland (e.g. Bingham linear park). Distribution maps published by Asher et al (2001) show the species is not widely reported from the east of this region even pre-1970.
Finding Green Hairstreaks
The butterfly can be found along hedgerows, on heaths and rough ground with plenty of shrubs. Males perch on shrubs and are apparently territorial and can be seen making short rapid erratic flights. During these excursions it is difficult to follow. As the butterfly flies it appears predominantly brown but can become invisible when it lands due to its green underside. On heaths males and females will land on the ground or in short Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) plants, etc where it is easy to observe and photograph. Specimens can be seen around mud or on grassland. Females appear to roam further than males.
Foodplants
The butterfly has a wide range of reported larval foodplants including Gorse (Ilex europaeus), Broom (Sarothamnus scoparius), Bird’s Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Common Rock Rose (Helianthemum nummularium) along with a number of others. The large colony on the moorland at Chunel appears to use V. myrtillus exclusively which is typical for moorland colonies – elsewhere the choice is greater.
Life History
Ova are laid on the foodplants from mid-May to June, and the green and yellow larvae feed for about a month on the flowers and berries of the foodplant. Interestingly although the larva is not apparently attended by ants the pupa, which forms on the ground, emits a noise that attracts ants which bury the pupa – little is known of the exact circumstances surrounding this or whether or not this affects distribution (Asher et al, 2001).
How you can help
Records of this species are required to increase our understanding of the local distribution in the two counties and to also to help in understanding distribution trends. The butterfly’s preference for scrubland makes it vulnerable to habitat ‘tidying up’. Please submit any further information regarding behaviour etc. In addition notes on the extent of the white ‘hairstreak’ on the underside is of interest. As minimum records should contain : the name of the recorder, a site named and with a grid reference and a date (time and weather conditions if possible).
Any records, information or (if possible) photographs should be sent to Phil Gilbert at PGilb10221@aol.com or sent by post to 31 Gilbert Avenue, Walton, Chesterfield, S40 3EU
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