Green Hairstreak

Name: Green Hairstreak

Scientific name: Callophrys rubi

Category: Minibeasts

Nature Stars: 60

What are nature stars?

About: A small butterfly, with a wingspan of about 3cm. Adults fly in the spring, between April and June. A fairly shy butterfly, spends most of its time perched on vegetation or sunbathing. Males can sometimes be seen chasing each other in the sun. Found in dry scrubby habitats, including moorland and heathland. Caterpillars feed on a variety of plants, including gorse, broom and bilberry.

How to identify: Easily recognised by the combination of habitat, size and the green undersides of the wings.

Where: Widespread, scattered througout the country, although nowhere is it common.

Natural Superpowers

• Predator: 10
• Agility: 70
• Rarity: 40
• Cute factor: 50
• Traveller: 50

Fantastic fact: Our only green butterfly.

Photograph credit: Keith Warmington/www.warmies.co.uk