Xami Hairstreak (Callophrys xami [Reakirt])
Wing span: 3/4 - 1 1/4 inches (2 - 3.2 cm).
Identification: Hindwing with 1 short and 1 long tail. Upperside of male brown; female reddish brown. Underside hindwing is yellow-green with jagged white postmedian line forming a W near tails.
Life history: Eggs are laid singly on underside of host plant leaves near the base. Caterpillars eat their way into the thick leaves.
Flight: Many flights from April-December.
Caterpillar hosts: Succulents (Sedum and Echeveria species) in the Crassulaceae family.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Rocky canyons and slopes, levees.
Range: Guatemala north to southeastern Arizona and central Texas.
Conservation: Colonies in United States are small and local. South Texas population is extirpated.
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: Determine status of South Texas population and conserve habitats elsewhere.
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. Tilden, J. W. 1986. A field guide to western butterflies. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. 370 pages, 23 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann
State and Regional References:
Bailowitz, R. A. and J. P. Brock. 1991. Butterflies of Southeastern Arizona. Tucson, Ariz.: Sonoran Arthropod Studies, Inc. Garth, J.S. 1950. Butterflies of Grand Canyon National Park. Grand Canyon Natural History Association, Grand Canyon, Ariz. Opler, Paul A. 1999. Peterson Field Guide to Western Butterflies, revised edition. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. Stanford, R.E. and P.A. Opler. 1993. Atlas of Western USA Butterflies. Privately published, Denver, Colo. Tilden, J.W. and A.C. Smith. 1986. A Field Guide to Western Butterflies. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass.