Spanish Purple Hairstreak
Common NameSpanish Purple Hairstreak
Scientific NameLaeosopis roboris
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Primary Colorsgrey-brown, orange, black, purple
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrubland, maquis, forest edges, especially areas with oak trees.
Geographic RangeIberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal) and southern France.
Host PlantsQuercus ilex, Quercus suber, Quercus coccifera, Quercus faginea
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on oak buds in late summer and overwinter, hatching in spring. Larvae feed on young oak leaves, and pupation occurs in leaf litter or on the ground.
Identification TipsKey features for identification are the grey-brown underside with the prominent orange and black submarginal band on the hindwing. The iridescent purple upperside is also a strong indicator if seen.
Description
This small butterfly has a greyish-brown underside with a distinctive orange submarginal band and black spots along the hindwing margin. The upperside, not fully visible here, is a brilliant iridescent purple.
