Cramer’s Scrub-Hairstreak
Common NameCramer’s Scrub-Hairstreak
Scientific NameStrymon istapa
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)27
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale grey, black, orange
HabitatOpen, disturbed areas, scrubland, gardens, fields, forest edges
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Florida, Texas, Arizona, California), Mexico, Central America, South America, Caribbean
Host PlantsAcacia, Mimosa, Leucaena, Senna
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, year-round in warmer parts of its range
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant buds or young leaves. Larvae are slug-like, feeding on flowers and fruits. Pupae are typically brown and mottled, resembling a bird dropping.
Identification TipsLook for the pale greyish-tan underside with a distinct postmedian row of black spots, often ringed with white. The hindwing has a prominent black spot with an orange cap near the tornus and a short tail.
Description
A small butterfly with pale greyish-tan undersides, marked with a postmedian line of black spots and a prominent black spot with orange near the hindwing tornus, often with a short tail.
