Pale Ministreak
Common NamePale Ministreak
Scientific NameMinistrymon ines
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Primary Colorswhite, grey, brown
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, desert washes, scrublands, chaparral
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, southern California), Mexico, Central America
Host PlantsAcacia, Prosopis, Mimosa, Erythrina
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant buds or leaves. Larvae feed on flowers and young pods/leaves of various legumes. Pupation occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for its very pale, almost unmarked underside with faint streaking, the two small black spots (one orange-ringed) on the hindwing, and the short tail. The overall pale appearance helps differentiate it from other similar hairstreaks.
Description
A small, delicate hairstreak butterfly with pale greyish-white undersides marked by faint, irregular brownish streaks and two small black spots (one with an orange halo) near a short tail on the hindwing.
