Malina Hairstreak
Common NameMalina Hairstreak
Scientific NameRekoa malina
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, light brown, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Texas, Arizona), Central America, South America
Host PlantsAcacia spp., Mimosa spp., other Fabaceae
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical areas, spring to fall in temperate regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar) feeding on legumes, pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. Multiple broods occur annually.
Identification TipsKey features include the light brown underside with two parallel darker brown bands on both wings, two hindwing tails (one longer), and a small black spot near the hindwing tornus.
Description
This small butterfly has a warm light brown underside with two prominent, slightly darker brown bands across both forewings and hindwings. The hindwing features two delicate tails and a small black spot near the bottom.
