Azure Hairstreak
Common NameAzure Hairstreak
Scientific NameCyanophrys herodotus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorslight grey, white, orange, brown
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America, South America (from southern Texas to Argentina)
Host PlantsInga, Paullinia, Serjania, various Fabaceae
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on leaves, pupate into a chrysalis, and emerge as adults.
Identification TipsKey features for identification are the light grey underside with bold orange-brown stripes and the presence of small tails on the hindwings. The iridescent blue upperside (not visible in this image) is also characteristic.
Description
This small butterfly has a distinctive light grey to whitish underside with prominent, somewhat broken, orange-brown transverse stripes across both forewings and hindwings. The hindwings feature small, delicate tails.
