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Butterflies of North America

Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon bazochii)
JPG -- species photo

Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon bazochii [Godart])

Wing span: 7/8 - 1 inch (2.2 - 2.5 cm).

Identification: No tails. Upperside of hindwing blue. Underside of hindwing has mottled pattern of brown and gray with dark patches; conspicuous dark spot near costal margin.

Life history: Eggs are laid singly on flowers of host plants; caterpillars feed on flowers and fruits.

Flight: Two to three broods from May-December.

Caterpillar hosts: Lippia alba and L. graveolens in Texas, Lantanas and basils in Hawaii.

Adult food: Nectar from flowers of Bidens alba, Lantana, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis among others.

Habitat: Open areas in subtropical thorn scrub.

Range: Paraguay north through Central America, West Indies, and Mexico to South Texas. Introduced in 1902 to Hawaii to control (unsuccessfully) lantana.

Conservation: Not necessary for rare stray.

The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

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

Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon bazochii)
distribution map
map legend

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