Tropical Greenstreak
Common NameTropical Greenstreak
Scientific NameCyanophrys herodotus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsgreen, blue, brown
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Texas, Florida), Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsByrsonima crassifolia, Paullinia, Inga, various Malpighiaceae, Sapindaceae, Fabaceae
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; March to November in northern parts of its range
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on leaves, pupation occurs on or near the host plant, leading to the adult butterfly.
Identification TipsLook for the striking iridescent green underside of the wings, often with a blue or purplish streak or patch, and small, delicate tails on the hindwings.
Description
A small butterfly characterized by brilliant iridescent green undersides, often with a blue or purplish sheen near the body, and dark brown margins.
