Colorado Hairstreak
Common NameColorado Hairstreak
Scientific NameHypaurotis crysalus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patterniridescent
Primary Colorspurple, black, orange
HabitatPinyon-juniper woodlands, arid mountains
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada) and northern Mexico
Host PlantsPinyon pine, Pinus edulis
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on pinyon pine needles in late summer and overwinter. Larvae hatch in spring, feeding on the needles, and pupate in leaf litter, producing one brood per year.
Identification TipsLook for the striking iridescent purple upperwings with distinct black borders, prominent orange spots on the hindwing margin, and two short, delicate tails on each hindwing.
Description
This butterfly features brilliant iridescent purple upperwings with broad black borders, accented by a row of orange spots along the hindwing margin.
