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Avalon Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon avalona [Wright])
Wing span: 3/4 - 1 inch (1.9 - 2.5 cm).
Identification: One short tail on the hindwing. Upperside gray; hindwing with red or yellow spot near tail; may have small white spots at margin. Underside ashy gray, slightly darker on inner half of wing. Submarginal and postmedian lines faint or lacking.
Life history: Eggs are laid on terminal buds and on flower buds.
Flight: Many broods from February-December.
Caterpillar hosts: Silverleaf lotus (Lotus argophyllus var. ornithopus) and deerbrush (Lotus scoparius).
Adult food: Nectar from flowers including common sumac (Rhus laurina) and giant buckwheat (Eriogonum giganteum).
Habitat: Chaparral and grassy areas.
Range: Found only on Santa Catalina Island, off the coast of southern California.
Conservation: This species is one of the most limited U. S. species and should be conserved.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G3 - Very rare or local throughout its range or found locally in a restricted range (21 to 100 occurrences). (Threatened throughout its range).
Management needs: Maintain stands of host plants. Prevent loss or destruction of habitat.
References:
Emmel, T. C. and J. F. Emmel. 1973. The butterflies of southern California.
Science Series 26. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles,
California. 148 pages, 10 color plates.
Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press,
Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates.
Tilden, J. W. 1986. A field guide to western butterflies. Houghton-Mifflin Co.,
Boston, Mass. 370 pages, 23 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann
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 1999 -
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