Hickory Hairstreak
Common NameHickory Hairstreak
Scientific NameSatyrium caryaevorus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)28.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, orange, black, blue
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forest edges, areas with host trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantshickory (Carya spp.), walnut (Juglans spp.)
Flight PeriodLate May to early August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on hickory or walnut twigs and overwinter. Larvae feed on the leaves, pupate, and emerge as adults in late spring/early summer.
Identification TipsLook for the grayish-brown underside with a broken white-edged dark line, the prominent orange and iridescent blue spots near the two short tails on each hindwing. The specific pattern of the hindwing spots and the host plant association are key.
Description
A small, grayish-brown butterfly with a postmedian band of white-edged dark spots on the underside, and prominent orange and iridescent blue markings near the two tails on each hindwing.
