Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak
Common NameMallow Scrub-Hairstreak
Scientific NameStrymon istapa
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsgrayish-brown, black, orange
HabitatOpen fields, scrublands, gardens, disturbed areas, forest edges
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Florida, Texas, Arizona), Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, South America
Host PlantsSida, Malvaviscus arboreus, Abutilon, Malva
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods from spring to fall in temperate areas
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant buds or flowers. Larvae are slug-like and feed on the flowers and fruits of mallow plants. Pupation occurs on the host plant or nearby.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the dull grayish-brown underside, the row of black spots on both forewing and hindwing, and the bright orange patch with two black spots and two slender tails on the hindwing.
Description
A small butterfly with a dull grayish-brown underside, featuring a distinctive row of black spots and a prominent orange patch with two black spots near two slender tails on each hindwing.
