Satyrium titus
(Fabricius, 1793)
Coral Hairstreak
Satyrium titus, the coral , is a tailless North in the . It is distinguished from other hairstreaks by the absence of tail-like projections on the and a distinctive row of red-orange spots on the underside of the hindwing. frequent open, brushy and are often observed nectaring at butterfly weed and other flowers. feed primarily on the fruits of wild plums, cherries, and related in the Prunus, Amelanchier, and Quercus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Satyrium titus: //səˈtɪə.ɹi.əm ˈtaɪ.təs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Satyrium by the complete absence of tails. The red-orange marginal spots on the hindwing underside, combined with the lack of a spot, separate it from banded hairstreak (Satyrium calanus) and other similar . Edwards' hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii) has tails and different spot patterns. Oak hairstreak (Satyrium favonius) has tails and different associations.
Appearance
Upper side of is brownish gray. Underside of the displays a distinct row of red-orange spots along the outer margin. Lacks the tail-like projections present on most other . Lacks the spot typically found on the hindwing of most hairstreak .
Habitat
Brushy places, thickets, overgrown fields, open woodlands, and streamsides. Favors early successional with abundant shrubby vegetation.
Distribution
North America. Records from Vermont and throughout the United States. Range extends across eastern and central North America.
Diet
feed on nectar from weed (Asclepias tuberosa), New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus), dogbane (Apocynum), and sulphur flower. feed on fruits of wild plums and cherries (Prunus), serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), and oaks (Quercus).
Host Associations
- Prunus - larval fruits of wild plums and cherries
- Amelanchier alnifolia - larval serviceberry
- Quercus - larval oaks
- Asclepias tuberosa - nectar source weed
- Ceanothus americanus - nectar sourceNew Jersey tea
- Apocynum - nectar sourcedogbane
Life Cycle
with , , , and stages. feed on fruits. Specific not documented in available sources.
Behavior
frequently visit flowers for nectar. Has been observed nectaring at weed in particular.
Ecological Role
functions as when visiting flowers. Larval stage consumes fruits of woody shrubs and trees. Specific interactions not documented.
Human Relevance
Subject of watching and photography. Frequently observed due to its tendency to visit conspicuous nectar sources like butterfly weed.
Similar Taxa
- Satyrium calanusBanded has tails and spot on hindwing underside, which S. titus lacks
- Satyrium edwardsiiEdwards' has tails and different spot pattern on underwing
- Satyrium favoniusOak has tails and different preferences
More Details
Taxonomic note
The has been placed in the Harkenclenus by some authorities, though Satyrium remains widely used. Basionym Hesperia titus Fabricius, 1793.