Black-spot Hairstreak
Common NameBlack-spot Hairstreak
Scientific NameStrymon bazochii
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, gray
HabitatOpen disturbed areas, gardens, fields, forest edges
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Florida, Texas, Arizona), Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsSida, Malvastrum, various legumes
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, year-round in tropical areas; spring to fall in temperate regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically green or brown and camouflaged, feeding on leaves or flowers. Pupation occurs on or near the host plant.
Identification TipsKey features include the plain brownish-gray underside with a single prominent black spot on the hindwing, a row of smaller black spots on the forewing underside, and the presence of small tails on the hindwings.
Description
A small, dull brownish-gray butterfly with a prominent black spot on the underside of each hindwing, often accompanied by a small tail and some iridescent blue or orange scaling.
