Red-banded Hairstreak
Common NameRed-banded Hairstreak
Scientific NameCalycopis cecrops
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)27
Primary Colorsgrey, orange, white, black, blue
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, fields, gardens, roadsides
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, extending west to Texas and north to Maryland and Missouri
Host Plantssumac, wax myrtle, bayberry
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves or stems. Larvae feed on the leaves, and pupae are typically mottled brown, resembling bird droppings. It has multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent, jagged bright orange band on the greyish-brown underside of the hindwing, bordered by white and black, along with the iridescent blue patch and two small tails.
Description
This small butterfly has a dull greyish-brown underside with a distinctive, jagged bright orange band bordered by white and black on the hindwing, and an iridescent blue patch near two short tails.
