Hairstreak-butterfly
Guides
Atlides halesus
Great Purple Hairstreak, Great Blue Hairstreak
Atlides halesus is a striking gossamer-winged butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, notable for its misnomer of a common name—despite being called the "Great Purple Hairstreak," it displays iridescent blue coloration rather than purple. This Neotropical species ranges from warm-temperate and subtropical North America southward nearly to the Isthmus of Panama. The larvae feed exclusively on mistletoe species (Phoradendron spp.), making this butterfly dependent on the presence of these parasitic plants. Adults are known for hilltopping behavior, where males defend perches on elevated terrain to intercept females.
Callophrys gryneus gryneus
Olive Hairstreak, Juniper Hairstreak
Callophrys gryneus gryneus is a subspecies of the juniper hairstreak butterfly found in eastern North America. This small lycaenid butterfly is closely associated with juniper host plants, particularly species of Juniperus. The subspecific designation reflects geographic and phenotypic variation within the broader C. gryneus complex, which has been the subject of taxonomic debate regarding species boundaries. Adults are typically observed in spring and early summer.
Callophrys gryneus muiri
Muir's Hairstreak, Muir Juniper Hairstreak
A western North American subspecies of Juniper Hairstreak, historically treated as a distinct species (Callophrys muiri) based on phenotypic differences and geographic isolation. DNA barcoding studies indicate it is genetically divergent from other C. gryneus populations, though its taxonomic status remains debated. Associated with coniferous habitats in California.
Oenomaus
Oenomaus is a genus of hairstreak butterflies (Lycaenidae: Theclinae: Eumaeini) first described by Hübner in 1819. Species in this genus are relatively large compared to other hairstreaks and are distributed from southern Texas through Central America to southern Brazil. At least one species, Oenomaus ortygnus, is a significant agricultural pest of Annona fruit crops, with larvae boring into fruit pulp and causing economically important damage.
Strymon bazochii
Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak, Smaller Lantana Butterfly
Strymon bazochii is a small lycaenid butterfly native to the Neotropics, ranging from Paraguay through Central America and the Caribbean to southern Texas. It was deliberately introduced to Hawaii in 1902 as a biological control agent for invasive Lantana species, but failed to establish effective control. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing pattern and has a documented association with Lippia and Lantana host plants.
Strymon istapa
Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak, Mallow Hairstreak, Dotted Hairstreak, Hewitson's Hairstreak
Strymon istapa is a widespread hairstreak butterfly found in xeric habitats across the southern United States, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean. It is notably adaptable to human-altered landscapes, frequently occurring in rural and suburban areas with open fields or overgrown weeds resulting from land clearing. The species exhibits a distinctive behavioral trait of rubbing its hindwings together, presumably to draw attention to antenna-mimicking scales on the hindwing margin. Multiple common names reflect its association with mallow vegetation and its spotted wing pattern.