Lantana Hairstreak
Common NameLantana Hairstreak
Scientific NameStrymon bazilides
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale grey, white, reddish-brown
HabitatOpen areas, gardens, disturbed areas, forest edges
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Florida, Texas), Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsLantana camara, Croton, Malpighia, Cordia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; spring to fall in temperate areas
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant buds or young leaves. Larvae are small and slug-like, feeding on flowers and fruits before pupating on the host plant or nearby.
Identification TipsKey features for identification are the pale greyish-white underside with a prominent row of reddish-brown spots and the presence of two short tails on the hindwings.
Description
A small butterfly with pale greyish-white undersides, marked with a distinct postmedian row of reddish-brown spots and a thin reddish-brown marginal line, featuring two small tails on each hindwing.
