Satyrium semiluna
Klots, 1930
Sagebrush Sooty Hairstreak, Half-moon Hairstreak
Satyrium semiluna is a small in the Lycaenidae, distributed across western North America in sagebrush steppe . Larvae feed on lupines, particularly Lupinus sericeus and Lupinus lepidus. The was formerly treated as a of Satyrium fuliginosa but is now recognized as distinct. It is similar in range to Satyrium behrii but does not extend as far south.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Satyrium semiluna: //ˌsætɪˈɹaɪəm ˌsɛmɪˈluːnə//
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Identification
Distinguished from female Icaricia icarioides by lacking blue upperwing , white wing fringe, dark forewing -end bar, and basal black dots on hindwing. Separated from Satyrium behrii by distribution; S. semiluna range does not extend as far south. Formerly included in Satyrium fuliginosa but recognized as distinct .
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan approximately 1 to 1.5 inches. Upper wing surfaces brown without blue . surfaces grayish-brown with black spots. Lacks white fringe on wings and dark -end bar on forewing present in similar . No one to three basal black dots on ventral hindwing.
Habitat
Sagebrush steppe . Associated with lupine plants in open, dry .
Distribution
Western North America. Range similar to Satyrium behrii but more restricted, not extending as far south. Found in British Columbia, Montana, and adjacent regions. Not present at Blakiston Fan in Alberta, where the related Satyrium curiosolus occurs.
Diet
Larvae feed on lupines (Lupinus sericeus, Lupinus lepidus). feeding habits not documented in available sources.
Host Associations
- Lupinus sericeus - larval plant
- Lupinus lepidus - larval plant
Similar Taxa
- Icaricia icarioides (female)Overlapping range, times, and plants; distinguished by blue upperwing , white wing fringe, dark forewing -end bar, and basal black dots on hindwing in I. icarioides
- Satyrium behriiSimilar range but S. semiluna does not extend as far south
- Satyrium fuliginosaFormerly treated as ; now recognized as distinct
- Satyrium curiosolusFormerly misidentified as S. semiluna; now recognized as distinct isolated at Blakiston Fan, Alberta, with different plant (Lupinus argenteus) and mutualist (Lasius ponderosae)
More Details
Taxonomic History
Formerly included in Satyrium fuliginosa as a . Elevated to status. The isolated at Blakiston Fan, Alberta, formerly attributed to this species, is now recognized as the distinct species Satyrium curiosolus based on genomic and ecological divergence.
Subspecies
Two recognized: Satyrium semiluna semiluna Klots, 1930 (nominate) and Satyrium semiluna maculadistinctum Mattoon & Austin in T. Emmel, 1998.
Catalogue Number
MONA or Hodges number 4277.1