Green Hairstreak
Callophrys rubi
National Status
Found throughout the UK with some losses in recent years. Population trend 10 years to 2016 -34%: since 1976 -41%.
West Midlands Status
Scattered occurrences across the region but scarce in Herefordshire. Likely under-recorded, seldom common, range probably stable. Population trend 10 years to 2016 – decreasing.
Green Hairstreak was recorded in 81 squares in 2026
10 Year Trend Analysis
Habitat
Found in a wide range of habitats reflecting the variety of foodplants it utilises. Heaths, moors, bogs, quarries, brownfield sites, scrubby grassland and woodland clearings.
Caterpillar Food Plant
The main foodplants are Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Broom (Cytisus scoparius), Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Common Rock-rose (Helianthemum nummularium), Dyer’s Greenweed (Genista tinctoria) and Gorse (Ulex europeaus). Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix) and Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) are also used.
Life Cycle
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Egg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Larva | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pupa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adult | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Flight Period
Mid-April to late June with some noteworthy July and even August records from the Malvern area. Peak emergence is mid-April to early June.
First/Last Sightings 2026
| First Sighting | Recorded by | Last Sighting | Recorded by |
| 24 March | Deakin, Jane | 8 July | Sly, Jessica |
Distribution Map
Key
Total number of sightings per tetrad
Hotspots
Cannock Chase (Staffordshire), Malvern Hills (Worcestershire), Stiperstones and Wem Moss (Shropshire), and Fenn’s, Whixall & Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve (England-Wales border).