Elika Hairstreak
Common NameElika Hairstreak
Scientific NameStrephonota elika
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorspale grey, white, orange, black, blue
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico to northern South America (e.g., Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil)
Host PlantsLoranthaceae (mistletoes), various woody plants
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. Larvae typically feed on the leaves of host plants.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale greyish-white underside, the specific pattern of orange-ringed black spots and a blue-centered spot on the hindwing, and the two slender tails.
Description
A small hairstreak butterfly with a pale greyish-white underside. The hindwing features two slender tails and distinct orange-ringed black spots near the tornus, with an additional blue-centered black spot.
