Blue-spot Hairstreak (Satyrium spini)
Species

Taken in the Vercors Natural Park, France, on July 20th 2018.
(1/400th sec at f14. © David Hastings)

Description

Family: Theclinae

Wing span: 28 - 34mm

The Blue-spot Hairstreak is a distinctive species that has a false 'head' with a large blue 'eye' on each hindwing. There is a bold white streak on both wings. The sexes are similar.

It is widespread and common in southern and central Europe. It is declining in NW Europe. It does not occur in the British Isles.

It is found in bushy meadows, dry scrub near woodland margins, and scrubby mountain slopes up to 2000m.

There is one generation per year, from late May to late July.

The main larval foodplants are Buckthorns (Rhamnus spp.)

Sightings

20-Jul-2018 : Vercors Natural Park, France

09-Jun-2017 : Paklenica National Park, Croatia
08-Jun-2017 : Paklenica National Park, Croatia
07-Jun-2017 : Veliki Crnopac, Croatia