Acadian Hairstreak
Common NameAcadian Hairstreak
Scientific NameSatyrium acadica
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsgray, orange, black, blue
HabitatWet meadows, bogs, marshes, stream edges, and other damp areas where willows grow.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south through the Great Lakes region and northeastern United States.
Host Plantswillow (Salix spp.)
Flight PeriodLate June to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on willow twigs and overwinter. Larvae hatch in spring and feed on willow leaves, pupating shortly after. There is one brood per year.
Identification TipsLook for the plain gray underside with a row of black spots, each capped with orange, and a prominent blue patch on the hindwing near the two slender tails. The upper side is dark brown.
Description
This small butterfly has a plain gray underside with a distinctive row of black spots edged with orange on the hindwing, and a prominent blue patch near the tails.
