Smudged Hairstreak
Common NameSmudged Hairstreak
Scientific NameStrymon istapa
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)27
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, white
HabitatOpen disturbed areas, scrub, gardens, fields, forest edges, coastal dunes
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Florida, Texas, Arizona), Mexico, Central America, South America, Caribbean
Host PlantsSida, Malvaviscus, Abutilon, Gossypium, Hibiscus
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical areas; multiple broods from spring to fall in temperate regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the flowers or fruits of mallow host plants. Larvae feed on flowers and developing seeds, pupating on the host plant or nearby.
Identification TipsIdentify by the plain grayish-brown underside with a weak, irregular white line, and the distinct orange-red spots with a small black dot and a short tail on the hindwing tornus.
Description
A small butterfly with dull grayish-brown wings on the underside, characterized by a faint white postmedian line and prominent orange-red spots near the hindwing tornus.
