Description ²

A rare species on Martha's Vineyard, apparently not yet established as this butterfly's range extends northward. There are only a handful records for the Vineyard, the first from September 2016. Well-marked individuals are unmistakable, with a prominent red band running across the wings. This species has a bluish spot near the anal angle, like most of the Satyrium hairstreaks; this spot has mostly black spot above it, where a Satyrium hairstreak would have an orange spot. All the Vineyard records have come from late August or early September. But the species has multiple broods in most of its range, so sightings earlier in the year -- and perhaps later -- can be expected as this species gets more solidly established. Look for it in meadows or brushy woodland edges; it often associates with sumac.

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Matt Pelikan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Pelikan
2. (c) Matt Pelikan, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

More Info

• iNat taxon page
• Animal Diversity Web
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• BugGuide
• Butterflies and Moths of North America
• CUIC Insect Images
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• HOSTS - a Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants
• Maryland Biodiversity Project
• Maryland Moths
• Mass Moths
• Moth Photographers Group
• Moths of North Carolina
• NatureServe Explorer 2.0

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