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Field guide · Denmark
Blues, coppers and hairstreaks · Denmark

Green Hairstreak

Callophrys rubi

Green Hairstreak is found here and there in Denmark. Wingspan: 22-27 mm. The flight period is from late April to early July. Green Hairstreak is found in many different types of landscapes, but typically in heathlands (and other dry areas), or in heathland bogs and raised bogs.

Status in this countryLocally present in DenmarkLC (Least concern)
Green Hairstreak

Flight period

The flight period is from late April to early July. The larval period is May to July.

Habitat

Green Hairstreak is found in many different types of landscapes, but typically on heathlands (and other dry locations), or dry and raised bogs.

Identifying features

Wingspan: 22-27 mm. The species is very easily recognisable due to its green colour and its rapid flight.

Similar species

In nature, it is only the green underside of the wing that is visible, which makes Green Hairstreak very distinctive, as it is the only green swallowtail butterfly in Denmark.

Distribution

In Denmark, Green Hairstreak is widespread across almost all of Jutland, most of Funen and North Zealand, Samsø, Læse, and a few sites on Falster. It is absent from Bornholm and South Zealand; only a few sites remain in Central and West Zealand.

Biology

The males are very territorial; they each have their own branch or leaf on small trees, such as birch or poplar, from which they watch out for conspecifics.