Sky-blue Hairstreak
Common NameSky-blue Hairstreak
Scientific NameJaponica saepestriata
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale blue, lavender, black, white
HabitatForest edges, open woodlands, clearings
Geographic RangeEast Asia (Japan, Korea, China, Russian Far East)
Host PlantsQuercus, Carpinus, Betula
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants and overwinter. Larvae feed on leaves, pupation occurs, and adults emerge in late spring to early summer.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pale blue to lavender underside with a series of black spots and a prominent white-edged black line, along with the filamentous tails on the hindwings.
Description
A small butterfly with pale blue to lavender undersides marked with a row of black spots and a distinct white-edged black line, featuring delicate tails on its hindwings.
