Tailless Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon cestri [Reakirt])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/8 inches (2.2 - 2.9 cm).
Identification: No tails. Tip of forewing squared off. Wings brown. Underside hindwing is marbled with gray and white; black submarginal spot on outer margin.
Life history: Not reported.
Flight: March and October in South Texas.
Caterpillar hosts: Not reported.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Seasonal tropical forest and edges at mid-elevations.
Range: Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica north through Mexico to South Texas.
Conservation: Not necessary for rare stray.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might 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