Chapman's Green Hairstreak
Common NameChapman's Green Hairstreak
Scientific NameCallophrys avis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsgreen, brown
HabitatMediterranean scrubland, garrigue, open woodlands, maquis
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe (e.g., Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece) and North Africa (e.g., Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)
Host PlantsArbutus unedo, Cistus spp., Phillyrea latifolia
Flight PeriodMarch to June
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant. Larvae are green and camouflaged, feeding on young leaves and flowers. Pupation occurs near the ground, with the pupa often overwintering.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its bright green underside, which typically lacks the prominent white streak of the common Green Hairstreak (*Callophrys rubi*). It may have a faint, often indistinct, white post-discal line on the hindwing.
Description
A small butterfly characterized by its brilliant green underside, which may feature faint, broken white lines on the hindwing. The upperside is uniformly brown.
