Hairstreak
Guides
Allosmaitia strophius
Strophius Hairstreak
Allosmaitia strophius, the Strophius Hairstreak, is a small Neotropical hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It ranges from southern Brazil northward through Central America to Sinaloa, Mexico, with occasional strays reaching Texas. Adults are active year-round in Central America, with Texas records limited to November. The species has a wingspan of 22–32 mm.
Arawacus
stripe-streaks, stripestreaks
Arawacus is a genus of gossamer-wing butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as stripe-streaks. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed throughout the Neotropical realm, from Mexico south through Central America to Brazil, Peru, and Argentina. Members of this genus are notable for their distinctive false-head defensive morphology on the hindwings, which helps misdirect predator attacks away from vital body parts.
Callophrys affinis affinis
Western Green Hairstreak, Immaculate Green Hairstreak
Callophrys affinis affinis, the western green hairstreak, is a subspecies of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It occurs in western North America, where adults have been observed in early summer. The subspecies is distinguished by its greenish wing coloration, typical of the green hairstreak group. Limited specific information exists for this subspecies separate from the broader species Callophrys affinis.
Callophrys affinis apama
Western Green Hairstreak
Callophrys affinis apama is a subspecies of the western green hairstreak butterfly, a small lycaenid found in western North America. It is one of several subspecies within the C. affinis complex, which shows geographic variation across its range. The species is associated with open habitats where its larval host plants grow. Adults are active in spring and early summer, with a rapid, low flight pattern typical of hairstreak butterflies.
Callophrys dumetorum dumetorum
A subspecies of hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, endemic to coastal California. It is one of at least two recognized subspecies within Callophrys dumetorum, with the nominate subspecies restricted to a narrower range than the species as a whole. The species is known by the common names bramble hairstreak or lotus hairstreak.
Callophrys fotis
Desert Elfin, Early Elfin, Fotis Hairstreak, Strecker's Elfin, Arizona Gray Elfin
Callophrys fotis is a small gossamer-winged butterfly native to the southwestern United States. It has a wingspan of 19–28 millimeters. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions across six states, from southeastern California to northwestern New Mexico. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate C. f. fotis and C. f. mojavensis described by Austin in 1998.
Callophrys gryneus
juniper hairstreak, olive hairstreak
A small North American lycaenid butterfly with bright green undersides and highly variable wing patterns across its range. The species exhibits substantial geographic variation, with multiple named subspecies differing in coloration, pattern elements, and host plant associations. Males are territorial on host trees, and the species overwinters as a chrysalis. Taxonomic controversy persists regarding whether some subspecies merit full species status.
Callophrys gryneus castalis
Texas Hairstreak
Callophrys gryneus castalis is a subspecies of juniper hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It has been a subject of taxonomic debate regarding whether it warrants elevation to full species status based on mitochondrial DNA barcode divergence. The subspecies is associated with juniper and cedar habitats in parts of its range. Observations are relatively sparse, with limited documentation of its biology and ecology.
Callophrys gryneus juniperaria
Cedar Hairstreak, Juniper Hairstreak, Olive Hairstreak
A subspecies of juniper hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The name 'juniperaria' reflects its close association with juniper host plants. This subspecies is part of the broader Callophrys gryneus species complex, which shows regional variation across North America. Based on source materials, it has been observed in Oklahoma and Kansas, typically in habitats where juniper or cedar species occur.
Callophrys gryneus loki
Juniper Hairstreak, Olive Hairstreak
Callophrys gryneus loki is a subspecies of juniper hairstreak butterfly historically recognized from parts of the central and southern United States. The name is currently treated as a synonym in GBIF, with specimens reclassified under the nominate form Callophrys gryneus. These butterflies are associated with juniper and cedar host plants. Adults have been observed nectaring on milkweeds and other flowering plants in prairie and open woodland habitats. The taxon represents part of a complex of similar hairstreaks whose taxonomy remains under revision.
Callophrys gryneus nelsoni
Nelson's Hairstreak, Nelson's Juniper Hairstreak
Callophrys gryneus nelsoni is a western North American subspecies of juniper hairstreak butterfly. Its taxonomic status has been debated, with some authorities treating it as a distinct subspecies while others have elevated it to full species rank as Mitoura nelsoni. DNA barcode studies indicate it is genetically divergent from other C. gryneus populations, though the magnitude of divergence is comparable to that seen between other recognized species in the genus. Adults are associated with juniper woodlands.
Callophrys gryneus plicataria
Cedar Hairstreak
Callophrys gryneus plicataria is a subspecies of juniper hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is treated as a synonym of Mitoura gryneus in some taxonomic systems, reflecting ongoing debate about generic placement within the Eumaeini. The subspecies is associated with cedar and juniper habitats. Observations are concentrated in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
Callophrys gryneus rosneri
Rosner's Hairstreak, Juniper Hairstreak
Callophrys gryneus rosneri is a subspecies of juniper hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Mitoura gryneus in GBIF taxonomy, though iNaturalist maintains it as a distinct subspecies under Callophrys. The taxon was described by K. Johnson in 1976. Like other juniper hairstreaks, it is associated with juniper host plants.
Callophrys gryneus smilacis
juniper hairstreak, olive hairstreak
Callophrys gryneus smilacis is a subspecies of juniper hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The subspecies is currently treated as a synonym of Mitoura gryneus in some taxonomic databases. Adults are associated with juniper and hackberry-bumelia-juniper woodland habitats. The species has been documented in Oklahoma and Vermont, with observations in late August. The taxonomic status of this subspecies remains unsettled, with conflicting treatments across sources.
Callophrys gryneus sweadneri
Sweadner's Juniper Hairstreak, juniper hairstreak, olive hairstreak
Callophrys gryneus sweadneri is a subspecies of juniper hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It occurs in North America and has been documented in Oklahoma and Kansas. Adults have been observed in late April and late August, suggesting a spring and late summer flight period. The subspecies is associated with juniper habitats, consistent with the species-level ecology of C. gryneus.
Callophrys gryneus thornei
Juniper Hairstreak, Thorne's Juniper Hairstreak
Callophrys gryneus thornei is a subspecies of juniper hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is currently considered a synonym of Callophrys thornei. The species is associated with juniper habitats and has been documented in North America. Like other members of the gryneus complex, adults likely feed on nectar from various flowers and larvae feed on juniper species.
Callophrys hesseli
Hessel's Hairstreak
Hessel's Hairstreak is a small lycaenid butterfly endemic to Atlantic coastal wetlands of the eastern United States. The species exhibits complete ecological dependence on Atlantic white-cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides), which serves as the exclusive larval host plant and provides adult camouflage habitat. Populations are patchily distributed and declining due to habitat loss, with state-level endangered status in Connecticut and G3 vulnerable ranking globally.
Callophrys johnsoni
Johnson's Hairstreak
Callophrys johnsoni, commonly known as Johnson's Hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It occurs in coniferous forests of western North America from British Columbia to central California. The species has a highly specialized larval diet, feeding exclusively on dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium species). Adults are active in late spring and early summer, with a single generation per year.
Callophrys mcfarlandi
Sandia Hairstreak
Callophrys mcfarlandi, the Sandia Hairstreak, is a small butterfly species native to North America with a restricted geographic range. It was discovered in 1958 in La Cueva Canyon, Albuquerque, New Mexico, by University of Kansas student Noel McFarland and formally described in 1960. The species was designated as one of New Mexico's state insects in 2003. It belongs to the hairstreak group within the family Lycaenidae.
Callophrys mossii bayensis
San Bruno Elfin
The San Bruno Elfin is a federally endangered butterfly subspecies endemic to the San Francisco Peninsula in California. It inhabits rocky outcrops and cliffs in coastal scrub habitat, with its distribution directly tied to that of its host plant, broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium). The subspecies was described by R. Brown in 1969 and is currently listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Callophrys sheridanii
Sheridan's Hairstreak, Sheridan's Green Hairstreak
A small, tail-less hairstreak butterfly with a wingspan of 20–24 mm, recognized by the characteristic straight white line crossing the underside of both wings. The species 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.
Callophrys sheridanii lemberti
Lembert's Hairstreak
Lembert's Hairstreak is a subspecies of the Sheridan's Hairstreak butterfly, first described by Tilden in 1963. It is classified within the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as gossamer-winged butterflies. The subspecies is endemic to California and is associated with specific host plant relationships typical of hairstreak butterflies.
Callophrys spinetorum
Thicket Hairstreak
Callophrys spinetorum, the thicket hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae described by William Chapman Hewitson in 1867. It is distributed across western North America from British Columbia through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico and Mexico, and through California to Baja California. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae feed exclusively on dwarf mistletoes in the genus Arceuthobium, exhibiting remarkable mimicry of their host plants.
Callophrys xami
Xami Hairstreak, Green Hairstreak, Elfin
Callophrys xami is a small lycaenid butterfly with a wingspan of 2.38–2.86 cm, recognized by the distinctive W-shaped postmedian white line on its yellowish-green hindwing underside. Males defend territories for mating, and the species exhibits complex sexual behavior involving a 'false head' wing pattern that deflects predator attacks. The butterfly is associated with Crassulaceae host plants, particularly Echeveria and Sedum species.
Calycopis cecrops
Red-banded Hairstreak
Calycopis cecrops, commonly known as the red-banded hairstreak, is a small butterfly native to the southeastern United States. Adults have a wingspan of 23–32 mm and are characterized by grayish underwings with a distinctive red band. The species has been observed feeding on fallen leaves of sumac species and other trees. It is typically found in coastal areas and open habitats.
Calycopis isobeon
dusky-blue groundstreak
Calycopis isobeon, the dusky-blue groundstreak, is a small hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It ranges from Venezuela northward through Central America and Mexico to central Texas. The species is extremely similar in appearance to the red-banded hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops), and the two are sometimes treated as conspecific due to their close morphological resemblance.
Chlorostrymon maesites
Amethyst Hairstreak, Maesites Hairstreak, Verde Azul Hairstreak
Chlorostrymon maesites, commonly known as the Amethyst Hairstreak, is a species of hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is found in the Caribbean and North America. The species was originally described as Thecla maesites by Herrich-Schäffer in 1864 and is now classified under the genus Chlorostrymon.
Chlorostrymon simaethis
silver-banded hairstreak, St. Christopher's hairstreak, Key lime hairstreak
Chlorostrymon simaethis is a small lycaenid butterfly distributed across the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism in wing coloration, with males displaying iridescent purple uppersides and females appearing grayish brown. The common name refers to the distinctive bright silvery-white postmedian band on the lime green underside of both wings. The butterfly is closely associated with its host plants in the genus Cardiospermum, where larvae develop inside seed pods.
Chlorostrymon simaethis sarita
Sarita Hairstreak
Chlorostrymon simaethis sarita is a subspecies of hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, historically described from Baja California. It is currently treated as a synonym under Chlorostrymon simaethis, though some sources maintain it as a valid subspecies. The name honors its type locality and has been subject to taxonomic revision.
Chlorostrymon telea
Telea Hairstreak
Chlorostrymon telea, commonly known as the telea hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It ranges from southern Texas and Mexico through Central America to South America, including Colombia, Uruguay, Paraguay, eastern Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. Adults have a wingspan of 16–22 mm and are active in June in southern Texas and from January to July in Central America.
Cyanophrys herodotus
Tropical Greenstreak, Tropical Green Hairstreak
Cyanophrys herodotus is a small Neotropical hairstreak butterfly (Lycaenidae) described by Fabricius in 1793. It ranges from Mexico through Central America to Argentina, with rare strays reaching southern Texas. The species inhabits open disturbed areas in tropical and subtropical forests at 600–2,000 m elevation, where adults feed on flower nectar and larvae feed on leaves and flowers of various shrubs and trees.
Cyanophrys miserabilis
Clench's greenstreak, miserabilis hairstreak
Cyanophrys miserabilis is a species of hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It was originally described as Thecla miserabilis by Clench in 1946. The species is known from North America, where it is one of several greenstreak butterflies in the genus Cyanophrys. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 4308.
Electrostrymon guzanta
Electrostrymon guzanta is a neotropical hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The species occurs in Central and northern South America, where adults inhabit forested environments. Like other members of the genus, it exhibits the characteristic tail-like hindwing extensions typical of hairstreaks. The species was originally described by William Chapman Hewitson in 1877 under the genus Thecla.
Electrostrymon hugon
Ruddy Hairstreak
Electrostrymon hugon, commonly known as the Ruddy Hairstreak, is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The species was described by Godart in 1824 based on a specimen from Haiti. It is currently treated as a synonym of Electrostrymon endymion by GBIF, though it remains recognized as a distinct species by other sources including NCBI and iNaturalist. The species is part of the hairstreak group within the Lycaenidae, characterized by small size and often intricate wing patterns.
Erora quaderna
Arizona hairstreak
Erora quaderna, commonly known as the Arizona hairstreak, is a butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae. It is native to North America. The species was first described by William Chapman Hewitson in 1868 under the basionym Thecla quaderna. Two subspecies are recognized: E. q. quaderna and E. q. sanfordi.
Eumaeus atala
Atala, Atala butterfly, Atala hairstreak, coontie hairstreak
The Atala butterfly is a small, colorful lycaenid butterfly unique within its range for its aposematic coloration and exclusive association with cycad host plants. Once considered the most conspicuous insect in South Florida in 1888, it was believed extinct by the 1950s due to overharvesting of its sole native host plant, coontie (Zamia integrifolia), for starch production. Rediscovered in 1979 on a Miami barrier island, the species has recovered dramatically through conservation efforts and the popularity of coontie as an ornamental landscape plant, becoming common enough in southeast Florida to occasionally be regarded as a pest. The butterfly sequesters toxic cycasin compounds from its host, rendering all life stages unpalatable to predators.
butterflyhairstreakLycaenidaecycadcoontieZamiaaposematic-colorationchemical-defenseconservationendangered-species-recoveryFlorida-endemicpine-rocklandhost-plant-specialistsequestrationurban-wildlifeornamental-pestfreeze-dried-dietex-situ-conservationreintroductionfire-dependent-ecosystemnative-plant-landscapingcycasin-toxicitymultivoltineterritorial-malescorematasound-producing-pupaeHabrodais grunus
Golden Hairstreak
The golden hairstreak is a small North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is strongly associated with oak habitats and displays unusual crepuscular activity patterns, being most active during dawn and dusk rather than midday. The species has a single annual generation and shows high fidelity to specific oak host plants for larval development.
Kisutam
Kisutam is a genus of butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, established by Johnson & Kroenlein in 1993. The genus is part of the diverse hairstreak butterfly lineage. Species in this genus are found in the Neotropical region.
Ministrymon
ministreaks
Ministrymon is a genus of small butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as ministreaks. The genus was established by Clench in 1961 and contains approximately 20 described species distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical realms. Species are diminutive, typically about the size of a thumbnail. The genus includes Ministrymon janevicroy (Vicroy's Ministreak), a recently described species from Texas distinguished by its distinctive olive-green eyes.
Ministrymon azia
Gray Ministreak
Ministrymon azia, commonly known as the gray ministreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It ranges from the southern United States through Central America to southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. The species occupies diverse lowland habitats including deserts and rainforests. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions and from March to September in Florida and Texas.
Ministrymon clytie
Clytie hairstreak, Clytie Ministreak
Ministrymon clytie, commonly known as the Clytie hairstreak or Clytie Ministreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. First described by William Henry Edwards in 1877, this species ranges from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Central America. It inhabits tropical forest openings and subtropical thorn forests. The larvae feed on Pithecellobium species.
Panthiades
Panthiades is a genus of lycaenid butterflies in the tribe Eumaeini (hairstreaks). The genus comprises approximately eight described species distributed throughout the Neotropical region. At least one species, Panthiades bitias, has been documented as myrmecophilous, with immature stages exhibiting ant-associated behavior. Adults are generally small to medium-sized butterflies with the characteristic morphology of hairstreak butterflies.
Parrhasius
Parrhasius is a genus of Neotropical hairstreak butterflies in the family Lycaenidae. The genus includes the White M hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album), characterized by metallic blue upper wings and a distinctive M-shaped pattern on its silver-colored underside. Species in this genus are associated with oak habitats and have documented relationships with tending ants.
Parrhasius m-album
white M hairstreak, White-M Hairstreak
Parrhasius m-album is a small hairstreak butterfly (wingspan 32–41 mm) with metallic blue upper wings and a distinctive silver underside marked by an M-shaped pattern. Females are larger than males. The species is strongly associated with oak habitats throughout the southeastern and central United States.
Rekoa marius
Marius hairstreak
Rekoa marius, known as the Marius hairstreak, is a Neotropical butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism in wing coloration, with males showing dark iridescent blue uppersides and females gray. The species ranges from Paraguay to northern Mexico, with occasional strays reaching southern Texas and Arizona. Larvae display complex ecological associations including myrmecophily with carpenter ants and feeding on diverse host plants.
Rekoa palegon
gold-bordered hairstreak
Rekoa palegon, known as the gold-bordered hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It ranges from Argentina through Mexico and the West Indies, with rare occurrences in southern Texas. Adults have a wingspan of 23–28 mm and are active from May through December in Mexico, with a single annual generation. The species has been documented feeding on nectar from Senecio and Eupatorium flowers.
Satyrium
Satyrid Hairstreaks
Satyrium is a genus of butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as satyrid hairstreaks. Species in this genus are distributed across the Holarctic ecozone. Many species exhibit specialized ecological associations, including larval dependencies on particular oak species and mutualistic relationships with ants. Several species have been the focus of conservation concern due to habitat specificity and perceived rarity.
Satyrium auretorum
Gold-hunter's Hairstreak
Satyrium auretorum, known as the gold-hunter's hairstreak, is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). The species has three recognized subspecies: S. a. auretorum, S. a. fumosum, and S. a. spadix. Its MONA/Hodges number is 4286.
Satyrium behrii
Behr's Hairstreak
Satyrium behrii, the Behr's hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae found in western North America. Adults have a wingspan of 24–32 mm and are active from June to July in a single annual generation. The species inhabits dry slopes and canyons, where adults feed on flower nectar and larvae feed on specific host plants in the Rosaceae family.
Satyrium calanus
Banded Hairstreak
Satyrium calanus, the banded hairstreak, is a common North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains and exhibits territorial behavior. The species has a single annual brood with adults active from early June to late August. Larvae develop on oaks, hickories, and walnuts.