Strophius Hairstreak (Allosmaitia strophius)
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.2 - 3.2 cm).
Identification: Upperside of male forewing with blue only at inner margin; hindwing blue with scent patch at base. Female gray above, pale brown below.
Life history: Not reported.
Flight: All year in Central America; Texas stray was reported in November.
Caterpillar hosts: Flowers of plants in the Malpighia family.
Adult food: Not reported.
Habitat: Dry and wet subtropical forests and scrub.
Range: Southern Brazil north to Sinaloa, Mexico. One stray recorded in Texas.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Conservation: Not necessary for rare stray.
Management needs: None reported.
References:
Opler, P. A. and V. Malikul. 1992. A field guide to eastern butterflies. Peterson field guide #4. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston. 396 pages, 48 color plates. Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann