Chapman's Green Hairstreak
Callophrys avis
Callophrys avis, the Chapman's green hairstreak is a small butterfly found in the Palearctic that belongs to the blues family. The males and females of this little butterfly are identical.
9
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callophrys_avis
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera
Family
Lycaenidae
Genus
Callophrys
Chapman's Green Hairstreak belongs to the family Lycaenidae, order Lepidoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Callophrys avis, the Chapman's green hairstreak is a small butterfly found in the Palearctic that belongs to the blues family. The males and females of this little butterfly are identical. The underside of the wings is green, the upperside is greyish brown. The green verso is marked by a mediodiscal white line that differentiates this species from Callophrys rubi. The larva feeds on Coriaria myrtifolia, Arbutus unedo, Salvia verbenaca, Viburnum tinus.
Chapman's Green Hairstreak faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural expansion and urban development across its range. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the distribution and phenology of its host plants, while habitat fragmentation isolates populations and reduces genetic diversity.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits scrubland, heathland, chalk downs, and woodland edges with abundant buckthorn and other Rhamnus species that serve as larval host plants. Typically found in areas with short grassland and scattered shrubs at elevations up to 600 meters.
Threats
Habitat loss from agricultural conversion
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Climate change impacts on host plant availability
Habitat fragmentation
Pesticide use in agricultural areas
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). Chapman's Green Hairstreak (Callophrys avis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/chapmans-green-hairstreak