Soapberry Hairstreak
Common NameSoapberry Hairstreak
Scientific NamePhaeostrymon alcestis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)27
Primary Colorsgrayish-brown, orange, black, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrublands, canyons, and riparian areas where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Kansas, Colorado) and northern Mexico.
Host PlantsWestern Soapberry (Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii)
Flight PeriodMay to August, typically one brood.
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant. Caterpillars feed on the leaves and flowers of soapberry. It overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive orange and black submarginal band on the grayish-brown hindwing underside, along with a single short tail. Its strong association with soapberry plants is also a key identifier.
Description
A small hairstreak with grayish-brown undersides featuring a prominent orange submarginal band bordered by black and white lines, and a short tail on the hindwing.
