Hedgerow Hairstreak
Common NameHedgerow Hairstreak
Scientific NameSatyrium saepium
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbrown, gray
HabitatOpen woodlands, chaparral, forest edges, riparian areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south to California and east to parts of Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona
Host PlantsCeanothus species (e.g., Deerbrush, Buckbrush)
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant twigs. Larvae feed on the leaves and flowers of Ceanothus, and pupae typically overwinter, emerging as adults the following year. It has one brood per year.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include its plain brown underside with very faint or absent markings, the lack of prominent tails on the hindwings, and the orange-tipped antennae. It is often found in association with its Ceanothus host plants.
Description
A small, plain brown hairstreak with a relatively unmarked grayish-brown underside and typically lacking prominent tails. The antennae have distinctive orange tips.
