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Satyrium ilicis

Ilex hairstreak

Description

Adult 22-30 mm in span, the upper side dark brown with a patch of orange scales on forewings (female with more conspicuous one) and with a small orange spot in the bottom corner of the hindwing. The outer edge of the hindwing has a line of separate orange spots and there is one short tail on the hindwings. Larva 15-18 mm in length, very domed anteriorly mainly, higher than wide. Colour green with indicated dorsal line and skewed lines laterally. Prior pupation, larva turns colour to reddish. Head is black. Larva feeds on Quercus spp., mainly on young and bushy specimens. Pupa on branches, girded by silk. Forest steppes, edges of warm oak stands, in warmer regions. Locally not rare.

Symptom

The caterpillar has a very atypical shape. It is oval and resembles a small snail without a shell rather than a butterfly caterpillar.

Tree Species: Elm, Cherry, Oak

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes