Fulvous Hairstreak
Common NameFulvous Hairstreak
Scientific NameSatyrium saepium
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, chaparral, scrub, forest edges
Geographic RangeWestern North America (British Columbia south to California, east to Nevada and Arizona)
Host PlantsCeanothus
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant twigs and overwinter. Larvae feed on the leaves and flowers of Ceanothus species, and pupation occurs in leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the dull brown underside with the distinctive orange patch and black spots on the hindwing, bordered by a white line, and the presence of two slender tails.
Description
A small butterfly with dull brown upperwings and underwings. The hindwing underside features a prominent orange patch with black spots, bordered by a white line, and two slender tails.
