Edwards' Hairstreak
Common NameEdwards' Hairstreak
Scientific NameSatyrium edwardsii
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsgrayish-brown, orange, blue, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, oak savannas, pine barrens, sandy areas, often near scrub oaks
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsQuercus ilicifolia, Quercus marilandica, Quercus velutina, Quercus rubra
Flight PeriodLate June to early August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on oak twigs. Larvae are slug-like, feed on oak leaves, and are often tended by ants. Pupation occurs in leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the grayish-brown underside with a distinct row of dark spots, and the prominent orange and blue markings surrounding the two tails on the hindwing. Often found in association with oak trees.
Description
A small, grayish-brown butterfly with a row of dark spots on the hindwing underside. It features prominent orange patches and iridescent blue scaling near two slender tails on the hindwing margin.
