Green Hairstreak

National Status

Found throughout the UK with some losses in recent years. Population trend 10 years to 2016 -34%: since 1976 -41%.

West Midlands Status

Scattered occurrences across the region but scarce in Herefordshire. Likely under-recorded, seldom common, range probably stable. Population trend 10 years to 2016 – decreasing.

Habitat

Found in a wide range of habitats reflecting the variety of foodplants it utilises. Heaths, moors, bogs, quarries, brownfield sites, scrubby grassland and woodland clearings.

Flight Period

Mid-April to late June with some noteworthy July and even August records from the Malvern area. Peak emergence is mid-April to early June.

Hotspots

Cannock Chase (Staffordshire), Malvern Hills (Worcestershire), Stiperstones and Wem Moss (Shropshire), and Fenn’s, Whixall & Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve (England-Wales border).

Caterpillar Food Plant

The main foodplants are Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Broom (Cytisus scoparius), Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Common Rock-rose (Helianthemum nummularium), Dyer’s Greenweed (Genista tinctoria) and Gorse (Ulex europeaus). Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix) and Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) are also used.