Sylvan Hairstreak
Common NameSylvan Hairstreak
Scientific NameSatyrium sylvinus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsgray, brown, black, orange
HabitatRiparian areas, stream banks, canyons, often near willow thickets
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south to Baja California, and east to the Rocky Mountains
Host Plantswillow (Salix spp.)
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant twigs and overwinter. Larvae feed on willow leaves.
Identification TipsIdentify by the pale gray-brown underside with a distinct row of black spots and the prominent orange and black patches near the two short tails on the hindwing.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale gray-brown underside, featuring a row of small black spots and distinct orange and black markings near the two short tails on the hindwing.
