False Ilex Hairstreak
Common NameFalse Ilex Hairstreak
Scientific NameSatyrium esculi
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black, white
HabitatMediterranean scrubland, open woodlands, dry grassy areas, maquis, garrigue
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe (Iberian Peninsula, France, Italy, Balkans) and North Africa
Host PlantsQuercus ilex, Quercus coccifera, Quercus faginea
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on oak twigs. Larvae feed on oak leaves and are often myrmecophilous, associating with ants. Pupation occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the dull brown underside with a row of orange-capped black spots and a fine white line on the hindwing, and the presence of small tails. The 'false' in its name distinguishes it from the Ilex Hairstreak (*Satyrium ilicis*) which has a more prominent white line and often lacks the black centers in the orange spots.
Description
A small butterfly with dull brown undersides. The hindwing underside features a distinctive submarginal row of orange spots, some with black centers, and a fine white postdiscal line, along with small tails.
