Callophrys sheridanii
(W.H. Edwards, 1877)
Sheridan's Hairstreak, Sheridan's Green Hairstreak
A small, tail-less with a wingspan of 20–24 mm, recognized by the characteristic straight crossing the underside of both . The exhibits variable underside coloration from bright green to dark gray-green. It was designated the state butterfly of Wyoming in 2009. The species occupies a broad elevational range and shows significant geographic variation in wing pattern expression.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Callophrys sheridanii: /kæˈlɒfrɪs ˌʃɛrɪˈdeɪnaɪ/
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Identification
Distinguished from other green (Callophrys spp.) by the straight crossing the underside of both ; other typically show more irregular or broken lines. The line may be less distinct in southern British Columbia ( newcomeri), requiring caution. Absence of tails separates it from tailed hairstreaks. Underside green coloration distinguishes it from gray or hairstreaks.
Images
Appearance
Small lacking tails. Wingspan 20–24 mm. Upperside dark gray-. Underside color highly variable, ranging from bright green to dark gray-green. Lower gray. Diagnostic straight postmedian crosses both undersides, though this line may be reduced, bulged, or absent in some —particularly in southern British Columbia. White postmedian line of dots present but variable: may be straight, bulged outward, reduced, or absent.
Habitat
Occupies elevations of 1,800–3,000 m. Found in sagebrush scrub, dry brushy hillsides in badlands, chaparral, woodlands, subalpine scree, open hillsides, and canyon slopes and washes. characterized by presence of buckwheat plants (Eriogonum spp.).
Distribution
North distribution from southern Alberta east to British Columbia; south through eastern Washington to Sierra Nevada of California; southward through Rocky Mountains to New Mexico. Range includes Nevada, Arizona, Saskatchewan, North Dakota, and New Mexico. Uncommon in Canada.
Seasonality
March through June. British Columbia : mid-April to late May. Alberta populations: mid-May to late June. Single annually.
Diet
feed on leaves, flowers, and young fruits of wild buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.), including E. racemosum, E. heracleoides, and E. umbellatum (in Washington). drink flower nectar.
Host Associations
- Eriogonum racemosum - larval wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum heracleoides - larval wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum umbellatum - larval sulphur umbrella ; used in Washington
Life Cycle
Single . Females lay pale green, flattened hemispherical singly on buckwheat leaves. green to pink, covered with bunches of short stiff , with two rows of spots dorsally. feed on buckwheat leaves, flowers, and young fruits. hibernate through winter. Development from egg to spans approximately one year.
Behavior
Males perch in depressions or gulch bottoms to seek females. visit flowers for nectar. period relatively brief, concentrated in spring months.
Ecological Role
as . Larval on Eriogonum . Serves as for various . Part of montane and sagebrush .
Human Relevance
Designated state of Wyoming in 2009. Subject of citizen science observation and photography. No significant economic impact.
Similar Taxa
- Other Callophrys species (green hairstreaks)All green appear very similar superficially; require examination of underside pattern for separation
- Tailed hairstreaks (various genera)Possess tails absent in C. sheridanii
More Details
Subspecies
Six recognized showing geographic variation in pattern and preference: C. s. sheridanii (-lined Sheridan's ), C. s. comstocki (desert Sheridan's hairstreak), C. s. lemberti (alpine Sheridan's hairstreak), C. s. pseudodumetorum, C. s. newcomeri (whitelined green hairstreak; southern British Columbia, reduced wing ), C. s. neoperplexa (Sheridan's green hairstreak; southwestern Alberta)
Conservation
Rare in portions of range but not generally requiring intervention
Etymology
Named in honor of General Philip Sheridan