Strymon albata

Felder & Felder, 1865

White Scrub-Hairstreak, white hairstreak

Strymon albata, the white or white scrub-hairstreak, is a small lycaenid distributed from southern Texas through Central America to northern South America. are active year-round in tropical regions and from June to December in southern Texas. The inhabits second growth and shrubby fields in seasonally dry tropical lowlands. feed specifically on flower buds and young fruits of Abutilon incanum, while adults nectar on various flowers including blue boneset.

Strymon albata by (c) Francisco Farriols Sarabia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Francisco Farriols Sarabia. Used under a CC-BY license.Strymon albata 3 by Anne Toal from US. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Strymon albata 2 by Anne Toal from US. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Strymon albata: //ˈstrɪmɒn ælˈbeɪtə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Strymon by its predominantly white to pale gray coloration. Most similar (e.g., Strymon melinus, the gray hairstreak) exhibit darker gray or brown tones. The combination of small size, pale color, and presence of hindwing tail separates it from other white or pale lycaenids in its range. In southern Texas, occurs sympatrically with other hairstreaks but differs in coloration and .

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Habitat

Second growth vegetation and shrubby fields in seasonally dry tropical lowlands. In southern Texas, occupies similar disturbed or successional with plant availability.

Distribution

Southern Texas (USA) south through Mexico to Rica, plus Colombia, Venezuela, and Trinidad.

Seasonality

Two annually in southern Texas with active June to December. Adults active year-round in tropical portions of range.

Diet

feed on flower buds and young fruits of Abutilon incanum (Malvaceae). feed on nectar of various flowers, with documented use of blue boneset.

Host Associations

  • Abutilon incanum - larval food plant feed on flower buds and young fruits

Life Cycle

Complete with two annually in temperate portion of range (southern Texas). laid on plant. feed on reproductive structures (buds, young fruits). presumably occurs on or near host plant. emerge and seek nectar sources.

Behavior

visit flowers for nectar. has been documented in related Strymon (S. melinus), but not specifically recorded for S. albata.

Ecological Role

functions as when nectaring. Larval on Abutilon incanum. Serves as for various including birds, , and .

Human Relevance

No significant direct economic importance. Subject of interest for watchers and naturalists in southern Texas and tropical regions. Contributes to local biodiversity.

Similar Taxa

  • Strymon melinusGray overlaps in range and ; distinguished by darker gray-brown coloration rather than white/pale gray
  • Other Strymon speciesMost darker in coloration; require close examination of pattern and color for separation

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Thecla albata by Felder & Felder in 1865; later transferred to Strymon.

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Sources and further reading