Arbutus
unedo, Strawberry Tree, showing the "Strawberries"
Chapman's Green Hairstreak
Callophrys avis
Distribution: N
Africa, SE and NW Iberian Peninsula and Mediterranean France. Usually near
the coast in Europe. Very local across its range.
Identification: The green underside is unique to the
Callophrys, of which there are two species in Europe. These two species are
very similar however and, I believe, rubi always flies wherever avis
is found. Please see the ID guide and photos below. Note: often the white stripe
is quoted as being strong in avis but this is certainly not reliable
enough to separate these two species.
Flight time: One generation. April in S Europe at sea
level. Said to fly into June at higher levels and in Morocco although I don't
have experience of this.
Habitat: Very dry scrubland with larval food plant the
Strawberry Tree, Arbutus unedo and early spring flowers.
Behaviour: Frequently visits flowers but spends most of
its time flying rapidly around the tops of its food plant Arbutus unedo.
Said to lay its eggs at the top of more mature plants. Never opens its wings
when at rest. When at rest on the leaves of trees or shrubs it is extremely
difficult to spot.
Separating the Green and the Chapman's Green
Hairstreaks (Callophrys avis and C. rubi)
Var, France,
April 2007
Both species:
avis with red eyes above and rubi with white eyes below.
avis showing rusty red around eyes and along palpi.
Also, I note:
stripy legs on rubi
inner side of antennal club orange on avis, black in
rubi
rubi showing white eyes and black
along palpi.
Var, France,
April 2004
Comparison of
C. avis and C. rubi from the same site.
Var, France,
March 2008
Classic habitat: cleared area in maquis.
Var, France,
April 2007
Var, France,
April 2004
Favoured
nectar source for many butterfly species.
Var, France,
April 2004
Eyes edged red
plus "classic" avis white line
Var, France,
April 2004
White line is
rudimentary more often than not, at least in France.
Var, France,
April 2004
Var, France,
April 2006
Provençal
Lavender - a favoured nectar plant.
Var, France,
April 2006
Strawberry
Tree, Arbutus unedo, larval food plant. A butterfly resting just off
centre.
