About White-letter Hairstreak
A small dark butterfly with a distinctive W-shaped white line on the hindwing underside. Breeds on elm.
Did You Know?
Has declined dramatically due to Dutch elm disease destroying its food plant across Europe.
How to Identify White-letter Hairstreak
White-letter Hairstreak (Satyrium w-album) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Lycaenidae. Adults typically measure Wingspan 26-30mm.
White-letter Hairstreak Habitat
White-letter Hairstreak is found in hedgerows habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
White-letter Hairstreak Diet and Feeding
White-letter Hairstreak feeds on seeds and grains. Seed-feeding insects can influence plant populations by consuming seeds, and some play a role in seed dispersal.
Where Is White-letter Hairstreak Found?
White-letter Hairstreak can be found in Europe, Asia, where it inhabits hedgerows environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where White-letter Hairstreak can be found
Is White-letter Hairstreak Dangerous?
White-letter Hairstreak is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
White-letter Hairstreak Role in Nature
White-letter Hairstreak is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About White-letter Hairstreak
What does White-letter Hairstreak look like?
The White-letter Hairstreak typically measures Wingspan 26-30mm.
Where is White-letter Hairstreak found?
The White-letter Hairstreak is found in Europe, Asia and typically inhabits hedgerows environments.
What does White-letter Hairstreak eat?
The White-letter Hairstreak feeds on seeds and grains.
Is White-letter Hairstreak dangerous to humans?
The White-letter Hairstreak is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is White-letter Hairstreak endangered?
The White-letter Hairstreak is currently classified as Near Threatened by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about White-letter Hairstreak?
Has declined dramatically due to Dutch elm disease destroying its food plant across Europe.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). White-letter Hairstreak (Satyrium w-album). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/white-letter-hairstreak
MLA:
"White-letter Hairstreak." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/white-letter-hairstreak.