Bitias Hairstreak
Common NameBitias Hairstreak
Scientific NameChlorostrymon bitias
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, grey, white, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, open woodlands, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern USA (Florida, Texas), Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, South America (Brazil, Argentina)
Host PlantsAcacia farnesiana, Pithecellobium species, other legumes
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods from spring to fall in subtropical areas
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae feed on leaves or flowers of legumes, pupating after several instars. Adults emerge to feed on nectar.
Identification TipsLook for the dark underside with fine white lines, the distinct red-orange spot, and the two small tails on the hindwing. The upperside is often iridescent blue but rarely seen at rest.
Description
A small hairstreak with a dark brown to grayish-brown underside marked with fine, wavy white lines and a prominent red-orange spot near the hindwing tornus, which also features two delicate tails.
