Mountain Mahogany Hairstreak
Common NameMountain Mahogany Hairstreak
Scientific NameSatyrium saepium
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbrown, grey
HabitatDry hillsides, chaparral, open woodlands, canyons, often where mountain mahogany grows.
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south through California and Baja California, east to parts of Nevada, Utah, and Arizona.
Host PlantsCercocarpus betuloides, Cercocarpus montanus, Cercocarpus ledifolius
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the twigs of host plants and overwinter. Larvae emerge in spring to feed on new leaves and buds, pupating on or near the host plant. There is typically one brood per year.
Identification TipsKey features include its plain, unmarked brown underside (lacking prominent spots or tails, though a faint white line may be present) and its strong association with Mountain Mahogany host plants. The lack of tails distinguishes it from many other hairstreaks.
Description
A small, dull brown hairstreak with a plain, uniform brown upperside and a grayish-brown underside that may feature a faint, irregular white line on the hindwing.
