Gold-hunter's Hairstreak
Common NameGold-hunter's Hairstreak
Scientific NameCallophrys viridis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorstan, brown
HabitatChaparral, open woodlands, rocky slopes, canyons
Geographic RangeWestern North America (California, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Baja California)
Host PlantsCeanothus, Eriogonum, Arctostaphylos
Flight PeriodMarch to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the buds or young leaves of host plants. Larvae feed on flowers and leaves, then pupate in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsLook for the plain, unmarked tan/brown underside, the dark brown patch on the forewing apex, and the small hindwing tail with a single black spot often ringed with orange. Lacks prominent white markings on the hindwing underside.
Description
A small hairstreak butterfly with a dull, uniform tan to light brown underside, featuring a distinctive dark brown patch on the forewing apex and a small, black-spotted tail on the hindwing.
