King's Hairstreak
Common NameKing's Hairstreak
Scientific NameSatyrium kingi
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorstan, brown, orange, black, white, blue
HabitatOak woodlands, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (primarily Appalachian region)
Host PlantsOak (Quercus spp.), Bear Oak (Quercus ilicifolia), Blackjack Oak (Quercus marilandica)
Flight PeriodMay to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on oak twigs. Larvae feed on oak leaves, pupate, and emerge as adults, typically having one brood per year.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of the light brown underside, the distinct white postmedian line, the orange and black submarginal spots, and the two tails on the hindwings.
Description
A small butterfly with a light brown underside, featuring a prominent white postmedian line, orange and black spots, and two slender tails on each hindwing.
