Green Hairstreak - Callophrys rubi. This widespread butterfly occurs throughout Europe and its range extends into Siberia . In the British Isles it occurs almost everywhere with the exception of the Orkneys and Shetlands. It is common in hedgerows, woodland margins and boggy heathland. The caterpillar is bright green with a darker line along the back and yellow oblique stripes on the sides. It feeds on a wide range of different plants including furze (Ulex), bramble (Rubus) and buckthorn (Rhamnus), eating the developing fruits. The full grown caterpillar pupates at the base of the plant under a loose web and the butterfly emerges some eight months later in the following spring. The pupa is capable of producing a remarkable squeaking sound if disturbed. Butterflies are on the wing from March to July, according to locality, but do not usually appear in the British Isles before late April. They fly rapidly for short distances and are very difficult to detect when at rest with the wings closed.
Text: Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe (1982) David Carter. Pan Books
