Ilex Hairstreak
Common NameIlex Hairstreak
Scientific NameSatyrium ilicis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrubland, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouthern and Central Europe, parts of North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsQuercus ilex, Quercus robur, Quercus petraea
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on oak twigs in late summer, overwintering. Larvae hatch in spring and feed on oak leaves, pupating on the ground or in leaf litter. It is univoltine.
Identification TipsLook for the plain brown upperside and the specific pattern of orange spots and a white line on the brown hindwing underside, along with small tails. Often found near oak trees.
Description
A small to medium-sized butterfly with plain brown uppersides. The underside is brown with a distinctive submarginal row of orange spots and a white line on the hindwing, often with small tails.
