Butterfly ID
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Field guide · Norway
Blues, coppers and hairstreaks · Norway

Green Hairstreak

Callophrys rubi

The green hairstreak is one of Norway’s smallest butterflies and is unmistakable with its emerald-green wing undersides. It begins its flight season earlier than any other Norwegian butterfly that does not overwinter as an adult.

Status in this countryCommon in NorwayLC (Least concern)
Green Hairstreak

Flight period

The flight period is primarily in April and May in the lowlands in the south, naturally later in the mountains and in Northern Norway. Observe the wings already on March 26 (Seljord 2012). One generation per year.

Habitat

Thrives particularly in forests dominated by fir trees with drier bogs, but also in more open areas with heather and larger bushes. Ascends into mountain pine forests.

Identifying features

Wingspan approximately 23–25 mm. The upperside of the wings is brown, while the undersides are emerald green and are always visible when the butterfly is at rest (effectively camouflaged against green vegetation). A very small "projection" on the trailing edge of each hindwing suggests that the species belongs to the skipper family. The flight is exceptionally fast, consisting of short, circular movements, although it often settles nearby.

Similar species

Green Hairstreak is, according to the guide, impossible to misidentify, due to its modest size in combination with the green undersides of its wings and the species' inherent nature and behaviour.

Distribution

Particularly common in areas with open, heather-rich scrub forest (Southern Norway); more scattered in Northern Norway, where it is also less documented. Approximately 6,300 findings distributed across all of Norway’s counties.

Biology

The plants include bilberry, bog bilberry, lingonberry, cranberry, and strawberries. They overwinter as a pupa.