Species Insects & ArthropodsBanded Hairstreak

Banded Hairstreak

Satyrium calanus

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)

The Banded Hairstreak is a small, inconspicuous gray-brown butterfly with intricate banding on its underwings accented by blue and orange tail-base spots. Adults spend much of their time in the treetops, descending to nectar at milkweeds and other flowers. Its tiny caterpillars feed on oak flowers and young leaves in the spring.

Habitat
Oak and hickory woodlands and forest edges
Diet
Larvae: oak flowers and young foliage. Adults: nectar
How common
Common

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