Green Hairstreak
VU

Green Hairstreak

Callophrys rubi

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_hairstreak

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Green Hairstreak faces significant population declines across its European range due to habitat fragmentation and loss of traditional land management practices. Agricultural intensification has eliminated many of the flower-rich grasslands and heathlands essential for both adult nectar sources and larval host plants. Climate change is shifting suitable habitat northward and to higher elevations, while urban development continues to fragment remaining populations into isolated patches too small to maintain viable breeding colonies.

Threat summary

Habitat

Green Hairstreaks inhabit diverse open habitats including chalk downs, heathlands, moorlands, woodland clearings, and coastal dunes where their larval host plants such as gorse, bilberry, and rock-rose flourish. Adults require flower-rich areas for nectar feeding, particularly favoring bramble, hawthorn, and various spring-blooming shrubs in sheltered, sunny locations.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Green Hairstreak classified as Vulnerable?
Green Hairstreak is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Green Hairstreak faces significant population declines across its European range due to habitat fragmentation and loss of traditional land management practices. Agricultural intensification has eliminated many of the flower-rich grasslands and heathlands essential for both adult nectar sources and larval host plants. Climate change is shifting suitable habitat northward and to higher elevations, while urban development continues to fragment remaining populations into isolated patches too small to maintain viable breeding colonies.
Where does Green Hairstreak live?
Green Hairstreak occurs in Afghanistan, Åland Islands, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, and Armenia (plus 59 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Green Hairstreak?
The main threats to Green Hairstreak are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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