Brown Hairstreak
Thecla betulae
The brown hairstreak is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The range includes most of the Palaearctic.
50
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_hairstreak
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera
Family
Lycaenidae
Genus
Thecla
Brown Hairstreak belongs to the family Lycaenidae, order Lepidoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The brown hairstreak is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The range includes most of the Palaearctic.
The Brown Hairstreak faces significant population declines across its European range due to habitat loss and fragmentation of its specialized woodland and scrubland habitats. Intensive agricultural practices and urban development have eliminated many of the blackthorn-rich hedgerows and woodland edges essential for this species' survival, while climate change is altering the timing of its life cycle and suitable habitat distribution.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits woodland edges, scrubland, and hedgerows dominated by blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), particularly in areas with mature ash trees where adults feed on aphid honeydew. Requires a mosaic of habitats including sheltered sunny slopes, woodland clearings, and traditional countryside with well-established hedgerow networks.
Threats
Agricultural intensification
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Hedgerow removal and management changes
Climate change impacts
Urban development
Found in 50 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/brown-hairstreak