Banded Hairstreak
Common NameBanded Hairstreak
Scientific NameSatyrium calanus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbrown, white, black, orange
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, open fields, parks, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to the Great Plains
Host Plantsoak, hickory, walnut, birch
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant twigs. Larvae are green and feed on leaves. Pupation occurs in leaf litter, and adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsKey features for identification are the distinct white band on the underside of the hindwing, the row of black spots, and the orange-capped black spot near the tail. The upperside is uniformly dark brown.
Description
A small, dark brown butterfly with a grayish-brown underside featuring a prominent white postmedian band, a row of black spots, and a distinctive orange-capped black eyespot near the hindwing tail.
