Ilex Hairstreak (Satyrium ilicis) | Species | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Taken in the Paklenica National Park, Croatia, on June 8th 2017. (1/1000th sec at f13. © David Hastings) DescriptionFamily: Theclinae Wing span: 34 - 40 mm The Ilex Hairstreak is similar to the Black Hairstreak, but has less orange on its hindwings. The sexes are similar. It is found in much of western and central Europe, but is largely absent from Iberia. It doesn't occur in the British Isles. It's preferred habitats vary from hot, dry oak scrub, to damp or dry heaths, and forest clearings. There is one brood per year, with the flight period from late May to early August according to altitude. The ovum is the overwintering stage. The larval foodplants are Oaks (Quercus spp.) Adults will take nectar from Bramble and Thyme. Sightings
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